Tuesday, 9 Apr 2024

Visa Applications

Questions (875)

Niamh Smyth

Question:

875. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Justice if visa applications will be expedited for persons (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14311/24]

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Written answers

Minister for Justice

I am happy to inform the Deputy that following full consideration by a Visa Officer the Visas were issued on 28 March 2024.

Entry into the State is solely at the discretion of the Immigration Officer at the port of entry. The onus is on the individuals to have all documentation relating to their reasons for entering Ireland for presentation to the Immigration Officer to gain entry. The Immigration Officer may grant leave to enter to a maximum period of three months. They may, depending on the documentation presented refuse entry to the state or grant a lesser period than three months.

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 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.

Visa Applications

Questions (876)

Holly Cairns

Question:

876. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Justice what steps are being taken to alleviate the backlog in visa applications for family reunification; what steps are being taken to streamline the process going forward; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14341/24]

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Written answers

Minister for Justice

Family reunification as provided for in s56 of the International Protection Act 2015, allows people granted International Protection to apply for certain family members to join them in the State.

The processing time can vary depending on the nature of the application and the documentation supplied. My Department engages with applicants for any further information that may be required to assist with the processing of applications.

All processing procedures and times are kept under ongoing review by my Department and every effort is made to keep these to a minimum.

Information on how to apply for family reunification as provided for in 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/

Non-EEA nationals legally resident in Ireland, and considering family reunification, and who do not meet the criteria as provided for in the International Protection Act 2015, should also be aware of my Department’s “Policy on Non-EEA Family Reunification in Ireland”, available here: www.irishimmigration.ie/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Policy-document-on-Non-EEA-family-reunification.pdf.

This policy document, which is currently under review, sets out the criteria and requirements for any person considering making an application to be joined by family members in the State.

Courts Service

Questions (877)

Rose Conway-Walsh

Question:

877. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Justice further to Parliamentary Question No. 967 of 20 March 2024, in relation to the Criminal Court Complex and PPP Courts bundle, to provide the share of the anticipated total cost to the Exchequer that is assumed to cover services costs after construction; what share of the unitary payment is subject to review and increase to cover inflation; if the anticipated total cost to the Exchequer takes inflation related reviews of unitary payments into account; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14367/24]

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Written answers

Minister for Justice

As the Deputy is aware, the total cost to the Exchequer over the life of a PPP contract, typically over 25 years, includes not just the cost of design and construction but also the cost of financing, operating and maintaining the facility, including services such as planned and reactive maintenance, grounds maintenance, cleaning, caretaking, security and waste management.

By its nature, a PPP contract is tightly defined and controlled and the PPP company must provide a fully maintained facility for the duration of the contract and carries the risk in relation to rectification of any construction defects that occur during the term. If a facility is not available or services are not provided in accordance with the standards set out in the contract, the State is entitled to reduce its monthly payment until the required standard is restored.

Further information on the total contract values and project payments for the Criminal Court Complex and PPP Courts bundle projects is available at: www.gov.ie/en/publication/6f72b-projects/

I can inform the Deputy that a portion of the unitary payment is adjusted annually by an inflation factor to reflect changes in a general inflation index specified in the contract (the Consumer Price Index or the Harmonised Index of Consumer Prices). This indexable portion represents costs incurred by the PPP company over the operational period (e.g., facilities management, maintenance, and lifecycle costs); it excludes construction and finance costs. As part of the annual indexation process, the indexable portion is adjusted by the actual inflation rate over the preceding 12-month period. Projected annualised PPP payments included in the link above include forecasted inflation estimate. The indexable portion for each project depends on the specific features of the project, i.e., the operational period costs as a proportion of the total costs will differ by project.

Due to the commercially sensitive nature of the share of the unitary payment to each PPP company’s tender submission and the fact that the NDFA are in live procurement on a PPP project currently, it would not be appropriate to provide details of the indexable element.

Immigration Status

Questions (878)

Eoin Ó Broin

Question:

878. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Justice the status of an application by a person (details supplied). [14377/24]

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Written answers

Minister for Justice

I can advise that travel documents related to the individual concerned were issued by registered post on the 12 March 2024.

I am informed that a response to your previous query through the Oireachtas Mail service was issued by officials on 26 March 2024.

Peace Commissioners

Questions (879)

Niamh Smyth

Question:

879. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Justice if the case of persons will be reviewed (details supplied) and if she will provide an update on the application. [14393/24]

View answer

Written answers

Minister for Justice

Peace Commissioners are appointed by the Minister for Justice in accordance with section 88 of the Courts of Justice Act 1924. The appointment of a Peace Commissioner is entirely at the discretion of the Minister for Justice and the fact that an applicant or nominee may be suitable for appointment does not, in itself, provide any entitlement to appointment as a Peace Commissioner because other factors, such as the need for appointments in particular areas at any particular point in time, are taken into account.

While it would not be appropriate to comment on individual cases, I can inform the Deputy that my Department has contacted both individuals concerned directly regarding their Peace Commissioner applications in recent days.

Immigration Status

Questions (880)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

880. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice the progress to date in the determination of entitlements to residency, long-term residency, stamp 4 in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14420/24]

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Written answers

Minister for Justice

The person referred to by the Deputy was issued a letter refusing permission to remain in the State on 07 September 2019. In response to a notification pursuant to the provisions of Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended), written representations have been submitted on behalf of the person concerned.

These representations, together with all other information and documentation on file, will be fully considered, under Section 3 (6) of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended) and all other applicable legislation, in advance of a final decision being made. This case is amongst many to be considered at present and, as such, it is not possible to provide a specific indication as to when this case will be finalised.

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 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.

Citizenship Applications

Questions (881)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

881. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice the extent to which application for long-term residency/citizenship will be considered in the case of a person (details supplied) who currently has stamp 4 status and is awaiting an upgrade; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14421/24]

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Written answers

Minister for Justice

At present, there is no record of an application for Naturalisation for the person referred to by the Deputy.

The granting of Irish citizenship through naturalisation is governed by the provisions of the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956, as amended. All applications for a certificate of naturalisation are processed and assessed individually in accordance with the provisions of the Act.

Applicants are required to have 5 years reckonable residence in the State prior to making an application, except for spouses of Irish nationals and people granted International Protection where the requirement is 3 years. In all cases, the final 12 months must be continuous residence in the State with up to 70 days allowed to facilitate foreign travel for business family or holiday purposes.

It is open to anyone to make an application for citizenship once they meet the criteria as set out in the 1956 Act, as amended. Once an application is received, a determination on whether the applicant satisfies the statutory criteria for naturalisation will be made.

Detailed information on how to apply for naturalisation is available on my Department's Irish Immigration website at: www.irishimmigration.ie/how-to-become-a-citizen/

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.

Immigration Status

Questions (882)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

882. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice the progress to date in determination of residency entitlement in the case of a person (details supplied) who is awaiting a decision in respect of citizenship; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14422/24]

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Written answers

Minister for Justice

At present, there is no record of an application for Naturalisation for the person referred to by the Deputy.

The granting of Irish citizenship through naturalisation is governed by the provisions of the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956, as amended. All applications for a certificate of naturalisation are processed and assessed individually in accordance with the provisions of the Act.

Applicants are required to have 5 years reckonable residence in the State prior to making an application, except for spouses of Irish nationals and people granted International Protection where the requirement is 3 years. In all cases, the final 12 months must be continuous residence in the State with up to 70 days allowed to facilitate foreign travel for business family or holiday purposes.

It is open to anyone to make an application for citizenship once they meet the criteria as set out in the 1956 Act, as amended. Once an application is received, a determination on whether the applicant satisfies the statutory criteria for naturalisation will be made.

Detailed information on how to apply for naturalisation is available on my Department's Irish Immigration website at: www.irishimmigration.ie/how-to-become-a-citizen/

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.

Citizenship Applications

Questions (883)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

883. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice the progress to date in the determination of an application for citizenship in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14424/24]

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Written answers

Minister for Justice

An approval letter issued to the person cited by the Deputy on 21 March 2024 and the applicant should now submit their Certification fee and the requested documentation.

Once received the person concerned will be added to the waiting list for an upcoming Citizenship Ceremony.

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.

Citizenship Applications

Questions (884)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

884. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice the progress to date in the determination of an application for citizenship in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14425/24]

View answer

Written answers

Minister for Justice

The naturalisation application from the person referred to by the Deputy continues to be processed by my Department.

This application was received by my Department on 15 May 2023. The median processing time for applications of Naturalisation is currently 19 months.

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.

I understand the extended wait times can be frustrating for applicants and my Department has been working hard to clear backlogs.

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.

Immigration Status

Questions (885)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

885. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice the progress to date in the determination of an extension of status/visa in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14426/24]

View answer

Written answers

Minister for Justice

An application for an extension of work permit conditions from the person referred to by the Deputy was received by the Domestic Residence and Permissions Division of my Department on 11 October 2023.

Applications are dealt with in strict chronological order. While every effort is made to process applications as soon as possible, processing times will vary having regard to the volume and complexity of applications, the possible need for the Immigration Service of my Department to investigate, inquire into, or seek further information, and the resources available.

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

Immigration Status

Questions (886)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

886. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice the current and/or expected residency status in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14434/24]

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Written answers

Minister for Justice

My Department is unable to publish any information that would identify any person as being an international protection applicant. This is a separate matter to the law dealing with data protection matters more generally.

My officials and I are legally obliged, under Section 26 of the International Protection Act 2015, to ensure that the identity of any person who applies for international protection is kept confidential. Section 26(1) sets out that:

“the Minister and the Tribunal and their respective officers shall take all practicable steps to ensure that the identity of applicants is kept confidential”.

As I am sure you will appreciate, these confidentiality requirements are especially important for an asylum-seeker, whose claim inherently supposes a fear of persecution by the authorities of their home country and whose situation, or that of their family or friends still living in the country from which they have sought protection, can be jeopardised if the protection of their personal information is not ensured.

An applicant for such protection status, or their legal representative, should contact either the International Protection Office (IPO) or the International Protection Appeals Tribunal (IPAT) directly, as appropriate if they wish to receive an?update on the status of their case.

Contact information for The International Protection Office can be found at Contact Us - International Protection Office (ipo.gov.ie)

Contact information for The International Protection Appeals Tribunal can be found at Contact Us - IPAT (protectionappeals.ie)

Both the International Protection Office (IPO) and the International Protection Appeals Tribunal (IPAT) are fully independent in deciding whether or not to grant international protection. Each application is examined individually on its own merits, in line with national and international asylum law. They are also bound by confidentiality provisions in respect of applicants as set out in the International Protection 2015 Act.

Citizenship Ceremonies

Questions (887)

Robert Troy

Question:

887. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Justice if a place at a citizenship award ceremony can be expedited for a person (details supplied). [14441/24]

View answer

Written answers

Minister for Justice

I can assure the Deputy that the Citizenship Division of my Department is committed to providing as many opportunities as possible for applicants to complete the naturalisation process.

Last year Citizenship Division more than doubled the number of ceremonies available to applicants with 15 held over the course of the year. These took place in the RDS, Dublin in March, in the INEC, Killarney in June, and in the Convention Centre in both October and December. This was a significant increase on 6 Citizenship Ceremonies held in 2022.

It is envisioned a similar schedule of Ceremonies will be held this year. The first Ceremony of 2024 took place on Monday 26 February.

As the Deputy will appreciate, these events require considerable planning and Citizenship Division issues invitations to successful applicants at the earliest possible opportunity. Further information on Citizenship Ceremonies is available on my Department’s website here: www.irishimmigration.ie/how-to-become-a-citizen/citizenship-ceremonies/

Question No. 888 answered with Question No. 817.

Property Registration

Questions (889)

Noel Grealish

Question:

889. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Justice if she is aware of the lengthy delays adversely impacting the conveyancing process; what steps she is taking to address these delays; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14557/24]

View answer

Written answers

Minister for Justice

I can advise the Deputy that the Taoiseach recently established a Working Group on Conveyancing and Probate to carry out a review of current conveyancing and probate processes and identify scope for greater efficiency and streamlining. The group comprises various experts including a solicitor, an auctioneer, consumer advocates as well as officials from the Department of the Taoiseach, the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, and my Department.

The group is engaging with key industry representatives from the financial services, legal services, local government, property services sectors as well as other stakeholders. It is envisaged that this Group will report with its recommendations by the Summer, and I along with ministerial colleagues, look forward to that report.

I can further advise the Deputy that as part of its ongoing Modernisation Programme, the Courts Service is working to digitally transform the way in which probate is granted in the conveyancing process.

The eProbate project will deliver a facility to submit and track applications for Grants of Representation online via a public facing portal. This new digital offering is currently in the early stages of development and will continue to be developed throughout 2024 with an expected public launch in 2025.

The public facing portal will act as a single point of contact for users to submit and track their applications through the entire process. The electronic submission of applications through the online portal, combined with automated validation of key information at submission time, will enable faster and more efficient processing of applications, with the aim of reducing waiting times.

It should be noted that major legislative reforms have been made to conveyancing law in recent years as part of the Government’s ongoing drive to reform and ensure greater efficiency in our property law and conveyancing practices - for example, the Land and Conveyancing Law Reform Acts 2009 to 2021.

In addition, the Tailte Éireann Act 2022 consolidated the mandatory nationwide registration of property, along with property valuation, mapping and surveying functions, into a single State body, Tailte Éireann, from March 2023. A total of 90% of property titles nationally are now registered, which greatly simplifies the future conveyancing of that property.

Closed-Circuit Television Systems

Questions (890)

Jennifer Murnane O'Connor

Question:

890. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Justice for an update on the community-based CCTV system; if there are plans to announce how local authorities can apply for funding to operate community-based CCTV systems; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14572/24]

View answer

Written answers

Minister for Justice

Community safety is a top priority for my Department and everyone has the right to be safe and feel safe in their communities. Community CCTV plays a vital role in achieving this goal.

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 for 35 Community CCTV schemes have been approved to date.

Last week I announced that €1million in funding is available and that funding will go towards the development of community-based CCTV schemes in 2024. The new wave of funding underlines my Department’s commitment to work with Local Authorities to promote community safety. The Department is now open to applications from Local Authorities for funding, through the established application channels.

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 (JPC)*,

• 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 continue to have their 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.

*The introduction of Local Community Safety Partnerships (LCSPs), to replace JPCs, was provided for in the Policing, Security and Community Safety Act 2024, which was signed into law by the President in February. This Act will be commenced later this year.

Question No. 891 answered with Question No. 851.

Question No. 892 answered with Question No. 829.

Prison Service

Questions (893, 919)

Patrick Costello

Question:

893. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Justice for an update on the work of the Prison Overcrowding Response Group; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14628/24]

View answer

Patrick Costello

Question:

919. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Justice the actions being taken by her Department to alleviate overcrowding in the prison system; and the estimated timeline for returning the population to uniform single capacity cells and the use of community based sentencing to address this problem. [15030/24]

View answer

Written answers

Minister for Justice

I propose to take Questions Nos. 893 and 919 together.

As the Deputy will be aware, the Irish Prison Service must accept into custody all people committed to prison by the Courts. As such, the Irish Prison Service has no control over the numbers committed to custody at any given time.

The Irish Prison Service is working closely with my officials in the Department of Justice to take steps to ensure a safe working environment for staff and the safety and security of all those in custody.

Where the number of people in custody exceeds the maximum capacity in any prison, the Irish Prison Service make every effort to deal with this through a combination of inter-prison transfers and appropriate use of structured Temporary Release.

The criteria for participation in the Community Return and Community Support Schemes were reviewed last year and additional prisoners are now eligible for assessment for suitability to participate on these structured and supported schemes.

In this regard I can assure the Deputy that 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.

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 continuing to examine proposals to address overcrowding.

While focused on rehabilitation and reducing offending, we are continuing to invest in our prison estate, to ensure that it is modern, fit for purpose and has the capacity to accommodate those committed to prison by the courts.

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.

Furthermore, the Training Unit in Mountjoy was reopened providing an additional 96 spaces, the opening of new male accommodation in Limerick has provided an additional 90 cell spaces and the new standalone female prison in Limerick has provided an additional 22 female cell spaces. This brings additional capacity across the estate to in excess of 200 new spaces in recent years.

Plans have also been outlined for 4 capital projects at Castlerea, Cloverhill, the Midlands and Mountjoy prisons to accommodate up to 670 people.

Earlier this month I secured additional capital funding of €49.5m to deliver these very significant capital commitments to allow the Irish Prison Service to address current capacity issues within our prison system and ensure it is fit-for-purpose for a growing population in the years to come.

Preparatory work will commence this year on these 4 key projects as part of an accelerated capital construction programme.

The additional capital funding will also be used to advance short term projects currently being pursued by the Prison Service that are expected to deliver almost 100 spaces this year.

My Department has also undertaken a policy review of the previously published General Scheme of the Criminal Justice (Community Sanctions) Bill 2014. Following on from this, I expect to bring a revised General Scheme to Government.

As the Deputy will appreciate it is not currently possible to provide single cells to every prisoner across the prison estate but it is also the case that not all those in custody wish to be accommodated in single cells. Some people prefer to be accommodated with another person and I am advised by the Prison Service that an assessment of suitability to share cells is conducted by the Governor during the committal interview to identify those who can safely share cells with each other.

Prison Service

Questions (894)

Patrick Costello

Question:

894. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Justice her views on the increasing number of prisoners on remand in prisons here; the steps she is taking to tackle this issue; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14629/24]

View answer

Written answers

Minister for Justice

As the Deputy is aware, the decision to commit a person to custody is solely a matter for a judge and judges are independent in the exercise of their judicial functions. The decision to remand a person to prison in any particular case is solely a matter for the judge concerned based on the available facts.

As the Deputy will also be aware, the Prison Service are, by law, required to admit into custody all those committed by the Courts and as such, the Irish Prison Service has no control over the numbers committed to custody.

The prison system is under increasing pressure with factors such as ongoing population growth, increasing Garda and Judicial resources all contributing to a rising prison population.

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 and this group is continuing to examine a range of proposals to address overcrowding.

While focused on rehabilitation and reducing offending, we are continuing to invest in our prison estate, to ensure that it is modern, fit for purpose and has the capacity to accommodate those committed to prison by the courts.

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 accommodation was provided in the Midlands Prison.

Furthermore, the Training Unit in Mountjoy was reopened providing an additional 96 spaces, the opening of new male accommodation in Limerick has provided an additional 90 cell spaces and the new standalone female prison in Limerick has provided an additional 22 female cell spaces. This brings additional capacity across the estate to in excess of 200 new spaces in recent years.

Plans have also been outlined for 4 capital projects at Castlerea, Cloverhill, the Midlands and Mountjoy prisons to accommodate up to 670 prisoners.

Earlier this month I secured additional capital funding of €49.5m to deliver these very significant capital commitments to allow the Irish Prison Service to address current capacity issues within our prison system and ensure it is fit-for-purpose for a growing population in the years to come.

Preparatory work will commence this year on these 4 key projects as part of an accelerated capital construction programme.

The additional capital funding will also be used to advance short term projects currently being pursued by the Prison Service that are expected to deliver almost 100 spaces this year.

My Department has also published a Review of Policy Options for Prison and Penal Reform 2022-2024 and work on that is underway. My Department has also undertaken a policy review of the previously published General Scheme of the Criminal Justice (Community Sanctions) Bill 2014. Following on from this, I expect to bring a revised General Scheme to Government.

Visa Applications

Questions (895)

Niamh Smyth

Question:

895. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Justice for an update on visa (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14656/24]

View answer

Written answers

Minister for Justice

The person referred to created an on-line Join Family (Irish national) visa application on 25 March 2024.

Upon creating an on-line visa application, the summary sheet must be printed and signed by the applicant and then submitted to the relevant Visa Office, along with supporting documentation & the relevant fee, within 30 days. Only upon receipt of the necessary documentation & fee, can the visa application be processed.

Please note that in accordance with the provisions under Point 21.1 of the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service's Policy Document on Non-EEA Family Reunification (www.inis.gov.ie) processing of family reunification visa applications, such as Ms. Villarreal’s may take up to 6 -12 months to determine from the date documentation is received in the relevant Visa Office.

The business target of 6-12 months for long term 'join family' applications was established following the publication of the Policy Document on Non-EEA Family Reunification. This is a business target and not a legal obligation. The Visa Office endeavours to have applications of this nature processed earlier than this, however, this is not always possible. We also wish to state that In order to be fair to all applicants, as you will appreciate, applications are processed in order by date received in relevant Visa Office.

The current processing times for Dublin visa decisions and other Visa Offices is available here: www.irishimmigration.ie/visa-decisions/

This webpage is updated weekly.

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.

Citizenship Applications

Questions (896)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

896. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice when a final decision in respect of an application for citizenship will issue in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14664/24]