Written Answers Nos. 518-537
518. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Justice if she has given consideration to increasing the fines and sanctions that the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Tribunal can impose on a solicitor for misconduct; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19224/24]
View answerSection 74 of the Legal Services Regulation Act 2015 provides for the establishment of the Legal Practitioners' Disciplinary Tribunal (LPDT). In November 2020, the President of the High Court appointed the LPDT to deal with complaints of serious misconduct by both solicitors and barristers. Applications made to the LPDT must come through the Law Society of Ireland or the Legal Services Regulatory Authority (LSRA). The LPDT is independent of both the Minister and the LSRA in the performance of its tasks and the exercise of its powers.
Section 82 of the Legal Services Regulation Act 2015 sets out the sanctions available to the Disciplinary Tribunal following a finding of misconduct on the part of a legal practitioner. Whilst I have no current plans to amend that set out, my Department keeps all such legislation under review.
519. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Justice for an update on the Carlow women's refuge; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19231/24]
View answerOne of the key actions of the Third National Strategy is doubling the number of refuge spaces available during the lifetime of the Strategy to 280 refuge spaces.As the Deputy is aware, prior to the establishment of Cuan on 1 January 2024, a Steering Committee for Inter-Departmental Group proposals was set up to manage and oversee progress on the delivery of additional refuge units.
This Committee was chaired by the Department of Justice, with representation from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Tusla and the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Inclusion and Youth.
This Committee has worked with domestic violence support groups in the priority locations to support their advancement of new refuge developments with funding support from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.This Committee is now chaired by Cuan. Through this Committee, Cuan and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage will continue to assist the development of local structures operating in the priority areas identified in the Third National Strategy and will support their advancement of the new refuges, with capital funding support continuing via the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.Cuan also has a dedicated team in place to support the development of domestic violence refuges. This team has been engaging with the local service provider in the areas mentioned and has supported the relevant organisations in terms of capacity and governance.As has been noted previously, Cuan has very active engagement with Carlow County Council, the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, and the Housing Agency.
The Agency has identified a domestic violence service provider to progress plans for the development of a refuge in County Carlow. A refuge containing 8 family units of accommodation is planned for the county. Additional supports have been allocated to the service provider to further build their capacity to undertake the operation of a refuge facility, inclusive of ancillary services.
As accommodation for victims of DSGBV falls under the remit of Cuan, I am referring this question to them for direct answer.
520. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Justice for an update on the refurbishment of Leighlinbridge Garda station; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19232/24]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of Garda business under Section 26 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), which includes the management of the Garda Estate. Additionally, the Commissioner determines the distribution and stationing of the Garda Síochána throughout the State under Section 33 of the Act. As Minister, I have no role in these independent functions.
For the Deputy's information, I am further advised that the area in question is serviced by Muine Bheag Garda Station, which is a 24hr Garda Station and is located 5.7km from Leighlinbridge Garda Station.
The position in relation to Leighlinbridge Garda Station will be kept under review.
521. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Justice further to Parliamentary Question No. 442 of 23 April 2024, if this relocation of prisoners will entail the progression unit remaining together; if not, if the prisoners will the general population; if the new location will entail the same level of services that those prisoners earned considering they are all on the enhanced status; if not, her views on whether there is no motivation for generic prisoners to progress within the prison; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19297/24]
View answerI can advise the Deputy that given the rise in prisoner population, it is not possible to say whether those accommodated in the Progression Unit will remain together. People currently accommodated in the Progression Unit, who are not serving their sentences for sex offences, will be moved to alternative suitable accommodation within the prison estate. I can further advise the Deputy that not all currently accommodated in the Progression Unit are enhanced prisoners.
Finally, I can advise the Deputy that people in custody are encouraged to avail of the services in their prison. The Incentivised Regime Policy is a national policy available in all prisons which strives to provide tangible incentives to participate in structured activities and to reinforce good behaviour, leading to a safer and more secure environment.
522. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Justice to list all peace commissioners appointed by her from 1 June 2023 to date and the areas to which they were appointed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19329/24]
View answerIn line with the provisions of section 88 of the Courts of Justice Act 1924, Peace Commissioners are appointed, and may be removed from that appointment, by me in my capacity as Minister for Justice.
My Department maintains the Roll of Peace Commissioners and, while every effort is made to keep the Roll up to date, the records do not always reflect the actual situation on the ground. This is because the Department currently relies on Peace Commissioners themselves, and other interested parties, to update it with regard to changes in circumstances of individual Peace Commissioners since their appointment. It is, therefore, difficult to provide precise information on the total number currently serving; however, I can inform the Deputy that my Department is currently updating the Roll of Peace Commissioners and has commenced a review of the Peace Commissioner appointment process in its entirety. Consideration is also being given to making the Roll of Peace Commissioners available online.
I have asked my officials to contact the Deputy directly to provide her with a list of all Peace Commissioners appointed from 1 June 2023 to date and the areas to which they were appointed.
523. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Justice further to Parliamentary Question No. 241 of 18 April 2024, if she is aware that Scottish police received almost 4,000 complaints in the first 24 hours of the operation of the new Scottish legislation; if Gardaí currently have adequate resources to deal with a likely surge in complaints; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19330/24]
View answerThe Criminal Justice (Incitement to Violence or Hatred and Hate Offences) Bill will legislate against hate crimes for the first time in Irish law and bring us into line with our European counterparts. It will also update existing incitement to hatred laws dating from 1989 to ensure compliance with EU law and to better reflect modern methods of communicating. In doing so, it will update and simplify existing offences to reflect the online context in which people now communicate and to ensure the legislation is more effective.
The recent enactment of the Hate Crime and Public Order (Scotland) Act 2021 has highlighted similar misconceptions to those that have arisen in the context of the new legislation in this country. There is a perception that offensive speech will be criminalised under the Criminal Justice (Incitement to Violence or Hatred and Hate Offences) Bill but this is not the case. Nor does it represent a new or radical departure in Irish law.
The initially high volume of reports received by the Scottish Police following the enactment of the new legislation there was anticipated given its high profile, however, I understand that the vast majority of these reports were not considered to be criminal and in the following week, there was a 75 per cent decrease in reports which has further subsided since then.
It is worth noting that hate speech and hate crime have been criminalised in England and Wales for over two decades and the experience there is that figures for hate crime convictions are at similar levels to those of regular crimes.
Operational issues are a matter for an Garda Síochána, who will decide how to proceed based on the information available to them in each case and I would encourage anyone who has been the victim of an offence to report it to An Garda Síochána so that it can be investigated.
Ireland’s existing law which already criminalises extreme hate speech dates back 35 years. In updating this law, I have provided for specific defences and protections for freedom of speech and expression in line with the Irish Constitution and the European Convention on Human Rights.
People will still be able to be offensive, say things that make others uncomfortable, have full and robust debate - but they cannot incite hatred or violence against others on account of their inherent identity characteristics. It is vitally important that we protect our most vulnerable and minority communities who are targeted with hatred just because of who they are.
It is my intention to progress the Bill to enactment, as it meets an important programme for Government commitment. However, I acknowledge the concerns that have been raised around certain provisions in the Bill. To this end, I am currently considering appropriate amendments to the Bill, which I will bring forward at Committee stage in the Seanad in due course.
524. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Justice if she will introduce minimum sentencing laws for sex crimes involving children; if she will reform existing legislation in order that a defendant who has not previously been convicted of an offence cannot have this taken into consideration when sentencing for sex crimes involving children and so that a guilty plea not be considered a mitigating factor; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19347/24]
View answer525. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Justice if effective restrictions can be imposed on those accused or convicted of sex crimes involving children when they are on bail or when they have received a suspended sentence; if she is aware that confining a person to postcode districts means they can still live within ten minuets of their victims; if convicted offenders can be restricted to being within a ten mile radius of their victims; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19348/24]
View answer535. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice if consideration is being given to minimum custodial sentencing for sexual offences committed against children; if this is something that could be legislated for; if she will look into the use of postcodes being used in exclusion order for suspended sentences (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19491/24]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 524, 525 and 535 together.
The Government takes the issue of sexual exploitation of children very seriously and there is comprehensive legislation in place to deal with these offences.The Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Act was enacted in 2017. This wide-ranging piece of legislation significantly enhanced the laws combatting the sexual exploitation and sexual abuse of children.
Among the provisions of the 2017 Act are measures to strengthen significantly the existing criminal law in combating child exploitation and, in particular, to address the use of modern communication technologies as a tool which may lead to child sexual exploitation.
Ireland ratified the Council of Europe Convention on the Protection of Children against Sexual Exploitation and Sexual Abuse (known as the "Lanzarote Convention") on 21 December 2020. The Convention entered into force in Ireland on 1 April 2021.
Part 2 of the Criminal Justice (Sexual Offences) Act 2017 which strengthens the law relating to the sexual exploitation of children, including child sexual abuse material, and criminalises the use of information and communication technology to facilitate such exploitation, ensures the State’s full compliance with criminal law provisions in that Convention.
The Deputies will also wish to be aware that the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Act 2019 amended the 2017 Act to provide for specified minimum penalties for repeat sexual offenders.
This applies where a person is convicted on indictment of a sexual offence and sentenced to 5 years or more in prison. If that person commits a subsequent sexual offence within ten years of their first conviction, the court must impose a minimum jail term of not less than three quarters of the maximum term for the sexual offence in question. If the maximum term is life imprisonment then the term imposed must be a minimum of 10 years. This can be disregarded where the court feels it would be disproportionate in all the circumstances of the case; it also does not apply to child offenders.
To further strengthen our legislation in this area, I commenced the Sex Offenders (Amendment) Act 2023 last November. This legislation provides for stricter oversight and management of convicted sex offenders within the community by, among other things, strengthening the notification requirements for sex offenders and providing for the court to prohibit a sex offender from working with children.
It also provides additional powers to An Garda Síochána to take photographs, fingerprints and palm prints from a convicted sex offender and has given Gardaí the power to disclose information regarding a convicted sex offender to a third party in certain circumstances.
As the Deputies are aware, under the Constitution and the law, the Courts are independent in their functions. The conduct of any court case is a matter for the presiding judge and it is not possible for the Minister or the Department of Justice to comment on, or intervene in, the conduct or the outcome of court proceedings.
The restricting of a person’s liberty is a serious issue, given the Constitutional presumption that a person is deemed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. While the State’s bail laws do provide for the refusal of bail in certain circumstances, the presiding Judge is entirely independent in the exercise of their judicial functions, which of course includes the decision to grant bail in a particular case. In considering whether to refuse bail, the Court is required to have regard to persistent serious offending by an applicant, any convictions for offences that were committed while on bail and, in specific circumstances, the nature and likelihood of any danger to a person or to the community from granting bail.
It is also a matter solely reserved to the presiding judge to decide where on the sentencing range a convicted person should be placed having regard to the individual circumstances of each case. An important safeguard rests in the power of the Director of Public Prosecutions to apply to the Court of Appeal to review a sentence she regards as unduly lenient.
It is also open to a judge to impose an order under part 2 of the 2017 Sexual Offences Act 2001 that can, among other things, restrict where a sex offender can go and with whom they can engage. Nothing in the Act prescribes or precludes what a judge can include by way of exclusion zones or areas, or indeed how such areas should be referred to geographically.
526. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Justice if she will provide the amount of grant-aid returned and or surrendered to her Department, by local authority in 2022, 2023 and to date in 2024, to include the heading of which it was intended for. [19365/24]
View answerI can inform the Deputy that my Department was not in receipt of any returned or surrendered grant-aid from Local Authorities during the time specified.
527. 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); when a decision is likely to issue; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19378/24]
View answerThe naturalisation application from the person referred to by the Deputy continues to be processed by my Department.
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.
528. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Justice the up-to-date position in relation to an application (details supplied); when the application was received; the progress that has been made on this application; when she expects a decision to be made; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19396/24]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, the Government agreed to close the Immigrant Investor Programme (IIP) to further applications from 15 February 2023.
As Minister, I do not comment on individual IIP applications, however, my Department’s IIP Unit is committed to ensuring that all applications will be examined on their own merits and will endeavour to conclude all decisions in a timely manner.
I can advise the Deputy that updated information in relation to the winding down of the Programme and the processing of applications has recently been published on my Department’s website and an updated FAQ is now available also. Both are available at the following link: www.irishimmigration.ie/processing-of-iip-applications-on-hand-following-the-closure-of-the-programme/.
There has been an unprecedented level of applications to the Programme in recent years and it is hoped in the coming months that we will be in a better position to understand the impact this will have on the likely timeframes within which final decisions on projects will be made. As the position becomes clearer, my Department will seek to communicate how we anticipate projects will progress and will make every effort to share that information in as timely a manner as possible.
I am advised that the IIP Unit are committed to exploring any new ways of working that could expedite the examination of project applications and reduce the overall timeframe for decisions.
529. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Justice the number of international protection applicants who applied for legal aid advice through the Legal Aid Board for each year from 2019 to date in 2024; the number of successful applications; the number of refused applications during this time period; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19402/24]
View answerThe Legal Aid Board is the statutory, independent body responsible for the provision of civil legal aid and advice to persons of modest means. This includes the provision of legal aid and advice to international protection applicants. While eligibility for the scheme is assessed on a case by case basis, the high rate of successful applications set out below, as provided to me by the Legal Aid Board, is reflective of the economic circumstances of such applicants.
The figures in the table below relate only to applications for legal services connected with an application for international protection in the State and do not apply to services from the Legal Aid Board in relation to any other matter.
|
Year |
Number of applications* |
Number of successful applications |
Number of unsuccessful applications |
|
2019 |
2,592 |
2,539 |
2 |
|
2020 |
1,197 |
1,174 |
3 |
|
2021 |
1,492 |
1,464 |
1 |
|
2022 |
6,883 |
6,858 |
3 |
|
2023 |
9,959 |
9,918 |
5 |
|
Q1 2024 |
2,758 |
2,750 |
2 |
* This figure includes applications not pursued and applications found to be financially ineligible.
530. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Justice the number of gardaí assigned to roads policing units on 31 March 2024; if forensic collision investigators and public service vehicle inspectors are included in those figures; if gardaí currently on sick leave are included in those figures; if those suspended are included in these figures; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19425/24]
View answerWe have all been shocked by the recent loss of life on our roads, and concerned by the worrying increase in road fatalities after many years of progress in making our roads safer. Road safety is a shared responsibility and one which this Government takes very seriously.
Road traffic legislation is enforced as part of the day-to-day duties of all members of An Garda Síochána, as well as through a programme of high-visibility road safety and enforcement operations carried out in partnership with other state agencies, in order to make our roads safer for all. The Garda Commissioner has recently confirmed that all uniform Gardaí will undertake 30 minutes of high visibility roads policing in each tour of duty.
As the Deputy will be aware, under the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the administration and management of An Garda Síochána, including the distribution of Garda members between the different Garda units and Divisions. As Minister, I have no role in such matters.
I can, however, assure the Deputy that the Government is committed to building stronger, safer communities and a strengthened, well-resourced Garda Síochána is central to this policy.
I am advised by the Garda authorities that as of 29 February 2024, the latest date for when figures are available, there was a total of 627 Gardaí assigned to roads policing units.
Forensic collision investigators and public service vehicle inspectors are not included in the figures. Those on sick leave or suspended are included.
I am advised that when consideration is given to the allocation of resources (including newly attested Probationer Gardaí and personnel being allocated to specialist units such as Roads Policing) and in facilitating transfers of personnel to or from any Division, account is given to commitments outlined in the Annual Policing Plan. Other factors taken into account in the context of the requirements of all Garda Divisions nationwide include crime trends, local populations, geographical area and policing arrangements and operational strategies.
The situation remains closely monitored by the Garda Senior Leadership Team, particularly in view of commitments to the continued roll-out of the Operating Model of policing at Divisional level to ensure optimum use of all Garda Resources in providing the best possible Garda service to the community.
531. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Justice the number of Garda roads policing internal competitions set up in each Garda region or division in 2023 and to date in 2024; the timeframe for each competition; the date and regions due to complete a competition shortly; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19426/24]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána, including all matters relating to the recruitment, training and appointment of its members. As Minister, I have no role in these matters.
I have been informed that, to date, in 2024 there has been one regional competition which spans across 3 Garda Regions - the Eastern, North-Western and Southern regions. The planned completion date for this competition is Q3 2024.
I have been informed that four Divisional Roads Policing competitions were run by the Garda authorities in 2023. I have been further informed that to date in 2024 there are no divisional competitions underway.
It is important to note that road traffic legislation is enforced as part of the day-to-day duties of members of An Garda Síochána, as well as through a programme of high-visibility road safety and enforcement operations carried out in partnership with other state agencies, in order to make our roads safer for all.
On average 25% of roads policing enforcement is carried out by regular members, with the exception of drug/drink driving checks, 75% of which are carried out by regular members.
The Garda Commissioner has recently confirmed that all uniform Gardaí will undertake 30 minutes of high visibility roads policing in each tour of duty. This will help increase Garda visibility on our roads and compliance with road traffic laws by motorists.
Funding provided by the Government under Budget 2024 provides for an increase in the number of frontline Gardaí and will also allow for the expansion of specialist units such as Roads Policing as the Commissioner deems appropriate.
532. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Justice the action she intends to take to resolve the lengthy delays of 90 days for appointments for IRP renewal in Cork city; if she will consider following the model in place in Dublin and providing online service; if not, if she will ensure that applicants for the Cork city office can attend other offices in County Cork where the backlog may be less. [19446/24]
View answerMy Department's Registration Office in Burgh Quay is responsible for registering immigration permissions for non-EU/EEA nationals residing in the Dublin, Meath, Kildare and Wicklow areas only, including the online renewal system.
An Garda Síochána has oversight of the first registration and renewal of immigration residence permissions for non-EU/EEA nationals residing outside of the Dublin, Meath, Kildare and Wicklow areas. I have no role in regard to the scheduling of these appointments.
The Garda Commissioner has advised that the number of registrations at Cork City Immigration Unit has increased significantly over the last 3 years, with 12,400 registrations completed in 2021 rising to 20,400 registrations in 2023. The current backlog stands at approximately 6,000 applications with a waiting time of 4 to 5 months.
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 Immigration Service Delivery (ISD) function of the Department of Justice.
With effect from 8th April, first time registrations and immigration residence renewals for counties Meath, Kildare and Wicklow transferred from An Garda Síochána to the Burgh Quay Registration Office of my Department.
My Department and An Garda Síochána continue to engage intensively on the scope of further immigration operations to transfer to the Department and a roadmap outlining the functions for transfer is being finalised. This will set out the timeline for the transfer of work relating to the nationwide first registrations and renewals of residence permissions for all other counties from An Garda Síochána to the Registration Office.
It is intended that the nationwide transfer of registration functions will be substantially completed within the next 12 months.
533. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Justice the number of applications made to her Department for a ‘change of name licence’ from persons granted leave to remain for the period 2019 to date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19448/24]
View answerUnder Section 9 of the Aliens Act, 1935 where a non-EEA national over the age of 18 wishes to legally change their name to a name that is different to the one on their birth certificate, they must apply for a change of name licence from my Department. In order for this name change to take legal effect a deed poll would also need to be executed.
I can advise the Deputy, that the granting of a change of name licence is a discretionary measure and each applicant is required to demonstrate the reasons why they wish to change their name. If person comes to Ireland under a false identity and have been granted permission to remain, they cannot apply for a change of name licence and must engage with the Division which issued their permission to remain in order to revert to their true identity. This may result in the persons permission to remain in the State being withdrawn.
In relation to the number of applications from persons who have been granted Permission to Remain under the International Protection Act 2015, as amended. I can advise the Deputy that my Department has received 8 applications for a change of name licence from persons who have been granted leave to remain by the International Protection Office between January 2019, to date.
534. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Justice the status of a visa application for a person (details supplied); the reason for the delay and when a decision is likely; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19454/24]
View answerI can advise the Deputy that the application referred to was created on the 17 July 2023. Supporting documentation was received in the Dar-es-Salaam office on the 25 January 2024. The application was received in the Dublin Visa Office on the 06 February 2024 where it awaits examination and processing.Long Stay Join Family visa 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.This Policy Document contains a stated business target that visa applications for family reunification for immediate family members of Irish citizens and Category A sponsors, such as Critical Skills Employment Permit Holders, should be dealt with within 6 months of application.However, it must be made clear that these are business targets for the immigration service. The business target reflects the detailed and often complex assessment that is required to be carried out in relation to applications for family reunification.It is not possible to give a definitive date as to when this application will be finalised. All applications are processed in chronological order, based on date order of receipt. 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 Delivery (ISD) function of the Department to investigate, inquire into, or seek further information, and the resources available. The applicant will be notified as soon as a decision has been reached by a Visa Officer.Processing times and decisions at the Dublin Visa Office can be checked at the following link which is updated each Tuesday:www.irishimmigration.ie/visa-decisions/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.
536. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Justice what an individual with a stamp 3 visa from Sudan can apply for to be able to work or study here, given that the ongoing conflict in the region is preventing them from returning; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19526/24]
View answerA Stamp 3 immigration permission indicates permission to stay in Ireland for a specified period, subject to conditions, and is reckonable as residence when applying for citizenship by naturalisation. The conditions of the Stamp 3 state that: ‘one cannot work or engage in any business, trade or profession’. A Stamp 3 immigration permission does not prevent the holder from engaging in study.
In order to work in Ireland a non-EEA national must have an employment permit granted by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment or a permission granted by my Department, which permits employment.
Matters relating to employment permits do not fall within the remit of the Immigration Service and are a matter for the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment. Further information relating to employment permits can be found on that Department's website, www.enterprise.gov.ie.
Where a person is successful in obtaining employment and securing the appropriate employment permit from the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, they will then be able to register on a Stamp 1 immigration permission with their local registration office.
Non-EEA students with Stamp 2 immigration permission are allowed to take up casual employment. They can work up to 20 hours a week during term time and up to 40 hours a week in the holidays. Stamp 2 immigration permission is not reckonable as residence when applying for citizenship by naturalisation.
Where the holder of a Stamp 3 immigration permission wishes change to obtain a Stamp 2 student permission, they should apply to their local immigration office with student documents – an acceptance letter from the school/college, evidence of private medical insurance and evidence of finances.
It is open to any person to apply for a change of immigration status if they meet the criteria for doing so. Detailed information on how to change immigration status is available on the Immigration Service website at: www.irishimmigration.ie/registering-your-immigration-permission/changing-your-immigration-permission/.
537. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 458 of 20 February 2024, if the supplied GRI statistics for greyhound injuries at tracks relate only to injured greyhounds that were treated/euthanised by track vets; and how many additional greyhounds sustained injuries of any type at tracks and were taken away to be treated elsewhere throughout 2023 and to-date in 2024. [18756/24]
View answerRásaíocht Con Éireann (RCÉ) is a commercial state body, established under the Greyhound Industry Act, 1958 chiefly to control greyhound racing and to improve and develop the greyhound industry. RCÉ is a body corporate and a separate legal entity to the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.
The question raised by the Deputy is an operational matter for RCÉ and, therefore, the question has been referred to the body for direct reply.
