Written Answers Nos. 793-812
793. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Social Protection the legal status of the Public Services Card to be used as a form of identification of an individual; her plans in this respect; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13327/24]
View answerThe Public Services Card (PSC) is not a national identity card. Rather, it aims to provide a means of identification for an individual in respect of the provision of public services.
Social welfare legislation provides that a person can only use their PSC for the purposes of a transaction with a body which has been specified in Schedule 5 of the Social Welfare Consolidation Act 2005 (as amended). It also provides that only a specified body may request a person's PSC for the purpose of transacting with that body.
Since its inception in the late 1990s, the Public Services Card (PSC) has always been intended as a physical token of identity to be used in transactions between the citizens and the State, not just between citizens and my Department.
One of my functions as Minister for Social Protection is the authentication of the identity, as set out in the Social Welfare Consolidation Act 2005.
Once a person has successfully authenticated their identity, they are issued with a PSC which can be used as proof of identity when transacting with certain public bodies (“specified bodies”) listed in that Act.
This fact was recognised by the Data Protection Commission (DPC) in the Agreement of December 2021 which acknowledged that any specified body may use the PSC as a means of verifying the identity of the people they deal with, provided that they also accept other proofs of identity.
The question of whether a specified body seeks production of a PSC as proof of identity is a matter for those bodies.
794. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice the number of persons injured each year as a result of discharges from licensed firearms by deer hunters; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12674/24]
View answerI have contacted the Garda authorities for the information requested by the Deputy. Regrettably, this information was not available in time and I will write to the Deputy directly when it is to hand.
795. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Justice what provision her Department has made for Palestinians who have fled the war in Gaza to seek asylum in Ireland in circumstances (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13364/24]
View answer966. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Justice what bespoke scheme, if any, exists for Palestinians fleeing the conflict in Gaza to come to Ireland. [13128/24]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 795 and 966 together.
I am acutely aware of the grave humanitarian crisis in Gaza and my Department is working closely with colleagues in the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to ensure a coordinated national response to this volatile and evolving situation. This includes their work to evacuate Irish citizens and their families who may require visa assistance.Where visa applicants are missing important information, such as proof of identity and familial relationships, there is active engagement with the applicants to gather the required documents to ensure that the Visa Division of my Department have everything needed progress these applications.Any person that wishes to make a visa application to travel to Ireland can do so online at: www.visas.inis.gov.ie/avats/OnlineHome.aspx.Further information in relation to the making of a visa application can be found on my Department’s immigration website at: www.irishimmigration.ie.
I can also advise that in relation to Long Stay Join Family visa applications, these applications are processed in accordance with the guidelines set out in the Policy Document on Non-EEA Family Reunification. This policy document may be accessed at the following link: www.irishimmigration.ie/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Policy-document-on-Non-EEA-family-reunification.pdf.
The current arrangements have facilitated the travel to Ireland of a number of family members who have been able to exit Gaza and my Department will continue to work to process such applications as quickly as possible. While all visa schemes are kept under ongoing review, there are no plans to introduce a bespoke scheme along the lines the Deputy suggests.
796. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Justice the number of family reunification applications received in 2023; the number of family reunification applications pending before FRU at the end of the year; the average time taken to decide an application; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11565/24]
View answerFamily reunification as provided for in S56 of the International Protection Act 2015, allows people granted International Protection to apply for certain family members to join them in the State.
IN 2023, 820 primary applicants applied for 2,330 members and at end year 932 primary applications for 2,924 family members were awaiting a decision.
The average processing time for decisions arrived at in 2023 was 12 months. Processing time can vary depending on the nature of the application and the documentation supplied/available to an applicant.
Information on how to apply for family reunification as provided for in S56 of the International Protection Act 2015 is available on my Department's website here: www.irishimmigration.ie/coming-to-join-family-in-ireland/family-reunification-of-international-protection-holders/.
797. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Justice if her Department has provided assistance, financial or otherwise to BOPT applicants to transport their personal vehicles to Ireland since the outbreak of hostilities with Russia in 2022; if so, to provide details of costs incurred and the number of vehicles involved; if such assistance is still available and when it will end; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11577/24]
View answerI can advise the deputy that my Department has not provided assistance, financial or otherwise to Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection to transport their personal vehicles to Ireland since the outbreak of hostilities with Russia in 2022.
798. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Justice if she will provide details in relation to the International Protection Office for each of the years 2021, 2022 and 2023, in tabular form (details supplied). [11582/24]
View answerI can assure the Deputy that my Department is taking all necessary steps to manage the international protection process efficiently and effectively, while ensuring the integrity of the processes is maintained at all times.
Last July, I published a report on the international protection modernisation programme for 2023 and 2024. This programme involved unparalleled investment in staff, panel members, re-engineered processes, and technology. We have implemented measures to improve efficiencies and throughput as well as enhancing the application, interview and decision-making process for applicants.
One of the priority areas of focus has been to recruit additional staff and panel members to increase case processing. The International Protection Office now has over 400 staff, an increase of 95% over 2022. The IPO made 2,482 first instance determinations in 2021, 4,323 in 2022, 9,000 in 2023 and are confident of delivering over 14,000 decisions this year.
Reforms to the international protection process will continue in 2024. An additional €34m was allocated in Budget 2024 to the International Protection Office (IPO), the International Protection Appeals Tribunal (IPAT) and related areas to continue to scale up processing. These measures, and all other aspects of the international protection modernisation programme, will continue to be kept under review and improved on a continuous ongoing basis.
The responsibility of the International Protection Office is to examine and process applications for international protection. The amount the IPO spent on assessing and processing applications therefore reflects its total budget.
Total Estimate of IPO Expenditure 2021 - 2023 (Pay and Non-Pay)
|
- |
€000's |
|
2021 |
8,204 |
|
2022 |
11,864 |
|
2023 |
23,122 |
To note, in 2020, the Department of Justice implemented a transformation programme moving from a subject-based structure to a functional operating model. As a result, costs from 2020 onwards are not directly comparable with the costs incurred before this programme as a number of expenditure areas were restructured as core Departmental functions.
Included in the total estimate of IPO Expenditure are the total costs associated with Panel Members, who are external service providers that assist in a number of functions, principally in the interviewing of applicants at their personal interviews under Section 35 and the drafting of reports. The tables includes all costs associated with Panel Members and therefore includes any other work undertaken in those years, as it is not possible to only report payments made in relation to personal interviews.
IPO Panel Member Expenditure - 2021 - 2023 (Extracted from the total costs above)
|
- |
||||
|
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
||
|
€'000s |
€'000s |
€'000s |
Total |
|
|
Panel Member Costs |
760 |
1,586 |
2,533 |
4,879 |
Within the IPO, the main use of simultaneous interpretation is when applicants are making their initial application and at their personal interview under Section 35. It is not possible for the IPO to report only on costs related to personal interviews under Section 35, so the figures included here cover all interpretation costs at the IPO for the years in question.
The IPO uses a number of service providers for interpretation services and alongside that the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) provides the IPO with a number of cultural mediators, who can assist with personal interviews (as well as work at the application stage). In order to provide a full picture, the full costs for both are provided. All costs are included in the total estimate of IPO Expenditure and are not in addition to it.
IPO Interpretation Expenditure - 2021- 2023 (Extracted from the total costs above)
|
- |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
|
|
€'000s |
€'000s |
€'000s |
Total |
|
|
Interpretation Costs |
125 |
515 |
1,252 |
1,892 |
IPO IOM Cultural Mediation and Interpretation Costs - 2021- 2023 (Extracted from the total costs above)*
|
- |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
|
|
€'000s |
€'000s |
€'000s |
Total |
|
|
IOM Cultural Mediation and Interpretation Cost |
- |
466 |
- |
466 |
*Please note that the IOM grant agreement began in November 2022 and covers the years 2022 – 2024. The 2022 figure represents a first instalment payment of 60% of the total grant amount of €777,157 with the balance to be paid in 2024 on the meeting of all of the grant conditions by the Grantee including the provision of financial and progress reports. Therefore no further payments were made in 2023 under the grant as it was covered by the initial payment.
799. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Justice for an update on the Sale of Alcohol Bill; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11587/24]
View answerThe General Scheme of the Sale of Alcohol intends to modernise our existing licensing laws in line with the expectations and needs of today’s society, and to encourage the development of a modern and diverse night-time economy. The proposed legislation endeavours to strike a balance between maintaining strict controls and safeguards in relation to the sale of alcohol, while providing support to those involved in our night time economy.
Given the known social and health effects associated with misuse of alcohol, Ireland has, for many decades, operated a restrictive regime for licensing. The General Scheme of the bill retains that approach and will ensure that the sale of alcohol remains closely regulated.
Throughout the development of the Bill, my Department engaged in an extensive consultation process with representative bodies in the licensed trade, businesses, public health bodies and advocacy groups, consumers and communities in relation to the proposed legislation. A public consultation, including an online survey and a request for submissions, ran from November 2021 until January 2022. More than 5,000 responses were received.
In addition, a webinar and panel discussion event was held on 10 March 2022.
The consultation process demonstrated that there is a strong demand for reform and modernisation of the law in this area.
It is my intention to separate the Sale of Alcohol Bill into two Bills. Firstly, I intend to introduce the Intoxicating Liquor Bill 2024. This is a shorter Bill to introduce a number of key reforms contained in the Sale of Alcohol Bill 2022 to modernise our licensing system, including:-
• The standardisation of opening hours for pubs and off-licences.
• The introduction of an annual late bar permit and an annual nightclub permit.
• The inclusion of new grounds of objection in line with the Zero Tolerance Third National Strategy to Tackle Domestic, Sexual and Gender Based Violence.
• Strengthening of the powers of An Garda Síochána to ensure that public safety and order are maintained.
• To provide that licensing applications, which are currently heard in the Circuit Court, will move to the District Court.
• The inclusion of the provision for outdoor seating.
I hope to bring this legislation to the Houses of the Oireachtas shortly.
800. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Justice if her Department has had the need to contact An Garda Síochána due to verbal, written (including electronically) or physical threats being addressed to staff or Ministers, at any level, working within the Department during the period 2020 to date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11599/24]
View answerMy Department regularly contacts An Garda Síochána in circumstances where their assistance or advice is required. As I am sure the Deputy will appreciate, for security reasons, it is not the practice to provide details or comment on these matters.
801. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Justice for an update on a citizenship application (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11606/24]
View answerThe 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.
In a little over two years the Citizenship Division of my Department has gone from processing around 12,000 applications a year to processing over 20,000 applications. This 66% increase in processing has been achieved through digitising and streamlining processes.
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.
802. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Justice what steps are being taken so that local authority provided closed circuit television can be used for the dual uses of crime detection and to combat illegal dumping; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11629/24]
View answerAs the Deputy will appreciate, the Local Authorities are wholly independent in their operations and functions. As Minister for Justice, I have no role in the operations of any Local Authority.
Matters surrounding the use of CCTV by Local Authorities to tackle illegal dumping rest with my colleague, the Minster for Environment, Climate and Communications. I understand that the relevant sections of the Circular Economy and Miscellaneous Provisions Act allowing for the use of CCTV under the Waste Management Act and Litter Pollution Act, and the use of other Mobile Recording Devices under the Waste Management Act, were commenced from 15 February by Minister Ryan.I understand from Minister Ryan's Department that it is therefore now open to any Local Authority to begin the process of putting the required procedures in place to allow for the use of such technologies to combat littering and illegal dumping, subject to adherence with the relevant Code of Practice.As the Deputy may be aware, since 2017 my Department has administered a grant-aid scheme supporting groups wishing to establish a community-based CCTV system in their area.The CCTV grant scheme was extended in 2019 to cover not only new CCTV systems, but to also provide funding for the extension or upgrade of existing CCTV systems which are incomplete or obsolete. Applicants may now also seek a once-off grant of up to €5,000 for minor maintenance costs.Grants of over €950,000 have been approved to date for 36 Community CCTV schemes. A further €1 million in funding has been made available towards the development of community-based CCTV schemes in 2024. Applications for funding are now open and can be made directly by the relevant Local Authorities. This level of funding underlines my commitment to working with communities to ensure everyone feels safe. The legal framework which provides for the operation of community CCTV requires that any proposed scheme must:
• be approved by the local Joint Policing Committee,
• have a data protection impact assessment prepared,
• have the prior support of the relevant local authority, which must act as a joint data controller with An Garda Síochána and a joint data controller agreement must be put in place, and
• have the authorisation of the Garda Commissioner.
The Garda Síochána (Recording Devices) Act 2023, which was signed into law in December last year, will reform CCTV schemes. Under the Act, community groups will have a greater say in keeping their community safe as they will be able to request schemes in their area. The Act is to be commenced in stages. It is envisaged that the Local Community Safety Partnerships (LCSPs), which will be established under the Policing, Security and Community Safety Act 2024 to replace Joint Policing Committees, will be the appropriate body to request community CCTV schemes in the future. Local residents, Local Authority staff, Councillors and members of An Garda Síochána will all be represented on the Partnerships, and will be best-placed to know how CCTV can be appropriately utilised in their area.
803. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Justice the total number of instances where a fee of €300 was paid for the issuing of an IRP (formerly GNIB) card (including both registration and renewal) in the whole of 2023 and the total income from this activity. [11636/24]
View answerI can advise the Deputy that in 2023, a registration fee was charged in respect of 236,709 Irish Residence Permit (IRP) cards, generating an income of €71,012,700.
The €300 registration fee is paid by all applicants unless they are:
• Under 18 at the time of registration
• A spouse, widow or widower of an Irish citizen
• A civil partner or surviving civil partner of an Irish citizen
• A spouse or dependent of an EU national who has a residence permit
• A Programme Refugee or a person granted Refugee Status under Section 47(1) of the International Protection Act 2015
• A person granted Subsidiary Protection under Section 47(4) of the International Protection Act 2015
• A person granted Permission to Remain under Section 49(4)(a) of the International Protection Act 2015
• A family member reunited with a recognised refugee in Ireland under Section 56 of the International Protection Act 2015.
804. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice how many prosecutions for dangerous cycling were taken in 2023; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11637/24]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, prosecutions are a matter for the Director of Prosecutions, who is fully independent in her functions under Section 2(5) of the Prosecution of Offences Act 1974 (as amended).
As Minister I have no role in the operations, functions, governance or oversight of the Office of the DPP and I am unable to provide any information or statistics relating to the Director's work as a result.
Additionally, management of the courts, along with related operational matters and logistical functions, are the responsibility of the judiciary and Courts Service, which are independent in exercising their functions under the Courts Service Act 1998 and through the separation of powers in the Constitution.
The Courts Service has a dedicated email address for the provision of information to members of the Houses of the Oireachtas: oireachtasenquiries@courts.ie.
To be of assistance to the Deputy I have referred his question to the Courts Service for reply.
805. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice if she is aware of the increase in motorbike theft, specifically expensive types of motorbikes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11673/24]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána. This includes all operational and investigative policing matters. As Minister, I cannot seek to direct the Commissioner in relation to such matters.
I am advised by the Garda authorities that An Garda Síochána investigates all Motorbike thefts and tackles Motorbike theft on a number of fronts, including targeted enforcement. An Garda Síochána is committed to carrying out enforcement and have initiated a number operations targeting motorbike theft across the country.
Vehicle theft and associated crime prevention advices have been highlighted on multiple Crimecall episodes. The crime prevention segment on Crimecall on 26 February 2024 focussed on vehicle safety measures and information relating to theft of vehicles.
The Garda National Crime Prevention Unit provide information in relation to the vehicle security at all events where they are in attendance, e.g. National Ploughing Championship, Bloom, Tullamore Agricultural Show and multiple smaller annual events.
The Garda National Crime Prevention Unit also provide information and advices surrounding vehicle safety during various presentations made throughout the year.
Infographics regarding vehicle safety are available online on the Garda website, are published on Garda social media platforms, and are utilised during in-person events.
Divisional Crime Prevention Officers routinely provide advice with regards to vehicle theft. Details of Divisional Crime Prevention Officers can be located on the Garda website.
The Garda Stolen Motor Vehicle Investigation Unit of Organised and Serious Crime continually monitors offenders for all crime types related to the unauthorised-taking of vehicles which is not just restricted to motorbikes.
The Garda Stolen Motor Vehicle Investigation Unit supports Garda Divisions in the investigation of Motorbike Crime and identification of stolen motorbikes nationally.
806. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Justice the measures in place to alleviate the backlog and streamline the visa application process for family reunification. [11728/24]
View answerI can advise the Deputy that while the current processing times for Join family visa applications may vary across the different visa decision making centres globally, that processing times are largely in line with the expected processing times published across the Immigration Service Delivery websites of 6 months for Irish citizens and 12 months for Non-EEA nationals.
I am accurately aware that Join family Visa applications are very important for the persons impacts and acknowledge that improvements can be made.
As the Deputy may be aware, my Department has established a modernisation programme to transform its immigration operations to provide a modern, transparent and accessible Immigration system that is faster, easier to access and more efficient for all its users. This ambitious programme of modernisation is aimed at improving the service we provide and is receiving significant ongoing financial investment.
The modernisation programme will replace legacy immigration management systems, introducing a single view, on a single platform, of an individual’s engagement with all aspects of immigration services. When delivered, this platform will significantly improve customer service capacity with comprehensive self-service functionality, and enhanced border security capability and capacity. As a consequence of the roll-out of the programme, we expect to see more expedited case processing in Join Family visa applications and other areas.
As part of the overall process of modernisation the Visa Division are exploring a number of short term enhancements to the existing Visa systems which aim to enhance the applicant experience across all categories of visa application but also improve processing times. Once these enhancements are ready to be rolled out across the Visa network my department will update the ISD website so that applicants are aware of the changes.
807. Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Justice the reason she is not removing or amending Article 19A of the Criminal Evidence Act 1992 whereby in certain criminal cases the private counselling/ therapy records of the victim of sexual abuse can have their records made available to the accused abuser (details supplied). [11756/24]
View answerProtecting and supporting victims of sexual violence is a priority for me and my Department and I am keenly aware of the devastating physical and emotional consequences such crimes have on victims.
The issue of the disclosure of counselling records is a complex one. On the one hand, there is the victim’s right to personal privacy and on the other, the accused person’s right to a fair trial. The accused’s right to a fair trial entails a right to disclosure of any material that may strengthen the defendant's case or weaken that of the prosecution. Counselling records might contain such material. The accused’s right to a fair trial also places the onus on the prosecution to disclose all relevant information. If the accused’s right to a fair trial is breached, then the conviction will be quashed.
To strike a balance between these conflicting rights, section 19A of the Criminal Evidence Act 1992 was enacted. Whilst section 19A permits an accused person to make an application to the court for the disclosure of counselling records, it also allows the victim to object to the disclosure of their counselling records. If a victim objects to the disclosure, the judge will examine the counselling records and decide if there is relevant information to be disclosed to the defence. The victim is legally represented at this disclosure hearing and is entitled to have a solicitor or barrister engaged by the Legal Aid Board to act on their behalf.
Even where a court orders disclosure, it may impose any condition it considers necessary in the interests of justice and to protect the privacy of any person. These include a condition that part of the record be redacted, that the record not be disclosed to any other person without leave of the court, that no copies be made of it, that the record be viewed only at the offices of the court, that the record be returned to the holder, and that it be used solely for the purpose of the criminal proceedings.
Similarly, if a victim does not object to the disclosure of their counselling records, the disclosure is still made under strict conditions. The prosecution requires undertakings from the defence as to how the records will be held and used. For example, the records may not be copied or distributed to anybody else, they may be consulted only in certain settings, and they must all be returned to the Office of Director of Public Prosecutions.
The O’Malley Review of Protections for Vulnerable Witnesses, completed in 2020, did not recommend any changes to section 19A . It recommended that the existence of section 19A be brought to the attention of victims and any persons advising them so that victims are aware of their right to object to the disclosure of counselling records. Relevant statutory agencies are complying fully with this recommendation.
I can advise the Deputy that there is an action under the Third National Strategy on Domestic, Sexual and Gender Based Violence for the Department of Health to examine and review the rationale for the disclosure of counselling notes as part of court proceedings, including a victim/survivor perspective.
I know scoping work for this action has commenced, including preliminary discussions with the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre and an academic expert, with further meetings planned, including with the Director of Public Prosecutions ahead of the establishment of an inter-departmental working group. The work of the interdepartmental group is expected to be finalised later this year.
I can also advise the Deputy that further work is under way in my Department to support and protect victims of sexual crimes. The Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Human Trafficking) Bill 2023, which is currently before the Houses, will implement more recommendations from the O’Malley Review, including:
- Extending victim anonymity to further categories of victims;
- Exclusion of the public from sexual offences trials;
- Repealing provisions for sentences to be delivered in public; and
- Extending legal representation for victims in certain circumstances.
808. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Justice the number of convictions for non-payment of the TV licence in each of the months January 2022 to February 2024, in tabular form. [11761/24]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, management of the courts, including operational matters and logistical functions, are the responsibility of the judiciary and Courts Service, which are independent in exercising their functions under the Courts Service Act 1998, and given the separation of powers in the Constitution. As Minister, I have no role in these matters, it is the function of the Courts Service to provide information on any convictions handed down or orders issued by the Courts. The Courts Service has a dedicated email address for the provision of information to members of the Houses of the Oireachtas: oireachtasenquiries@courts.ie.
To be of assistance, I have also referred the Deputy's query directly to the Courts Service.
809. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Justice the number of custodial sentences imposed for non-payment of the TV licence in each of the months January 2022 to February 2024, in tabular form. [11763/24]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, management of the courts, including operational matters and logistical functions, are the responsibility of the judiciary and Courts Service, which are independent in exercising their functions under the Courts Service Act 1998, and given the separation of powers in the Constitution. As Minister, I have no role in these matters, it is the function of the Courts Service to provide information on any convictions handed down or orders issued by the Courts. The Courts Service has a dedicated email address for the provision of information to members of the Houses of the Oireachtas: oireachtasenquiries@courts.ie.
To be of assistance, I have also referred the Deputy's query directly to the Courts Service.
810. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Justice the overall amount received by the courts, either through statutory fine or 'charity box' payments, for non-payments of the TV licence in each of the months January 2022 to February 2024, in tabular form. [11764/24]
View answerManagement of the courts, operational matters and logistical functions are the responsibility of the judiciary and Courts Service, which are independent in exercising their functions under the Courts Service Act 1998 and given the separation of powers in the Constitution. The Courts Service has a dedicated email address for the provision of information to members of the Houses of the Oireachtas at: oireachtasenquiries@courts.ie.
Figures of this nature are recorded by the Courts Service. Therefore, I have referred your question to the Courts Service for their direct reply.
811. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Justice the number of referrals for conviction for non-payment of the TV licence in each of the months January 2022 to February 2024, in tabular form. [11765/24]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, management of the courts, including operational matters and logistical functions, are the responsibility of the judiciary and Courts Service, which are independent in exercising their functions under the Courts Service Act 1998, and given the separation of powers in the Constitution. As Minister, I have no role in these matters, it is the function of the Courts Service to provide information on any convictions handed down or orders issued by the Courts. The Courts Service has a dedicated email address for the provision of information to members of the Houses of the Oireachtas: oireachtasenquiries@courts.ie.
To be of assistance, I have also referred the Deputy's query directly to the Courts Service.
812. Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Justice the reason the Minister for State in her Department stated on 1 December 2023 that the State should be in a position to ratify Second Optional Protocol to the Convention in the Rights of a Child on the sale of children, child prostitution and child pornography; if the State will be in the position to ratify the second optional protocol once the new Criminal legislation (Sexual Offences and Hunan Trafficking) Bill 2023 once enacted is enacted. [11774/24]
View answerThe Government is firmly committed to ratification of the Second Optional Protocol to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child on the sale of children, child prostitution and child pornography.
The Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Human Trafficking) Bill 2023, which is currently before the Houses, will remove the final obstacles to ratification of the Protocol. The Bill will deal with the issues relating to extra-territorial jurisdiction and amend the Criminal Justice (Mutual Assistance) Act 2008 by the insertion of the Second Optional Protocol to the list of international agreements to which the Act of 2008 applies to ensure that Ireland is compliant with the requirements of the Protocol.
Once the outstanding legal obstacles have been removed, ratification of the Second Optional Protocol is a matter for my colleague the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth.
