Written Answers Nos. 958-977
958. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Justice further to Parliamentary Question No. 1156 of 9 September 2024, to provide an update on each of the 12 actions and works she approved to implement the report of the Prison Overcrowding Response Group; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46566/24]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, I established a Prison Overcrowding Response Group (PORG) in 2023 to develop proposed actions to address the problem of Irish prisons operating above capacity. The Group comprises representatives from the Department of Justice, An Garda Síochána, the Irish Prison Service, the Probation Service, and the Courts Service. In 2024, the Group presented its report to me and 12 actions were approved for implementation.
Two actions, concerning a new structured temporary release for women and the establishment of a specialised Probation Service response for scaling, have been combined and a pilot scheme has been established targeting women serving custodial sentences of 18 months or less in Limerick’s Women’s Prison.
An amended agreement has been put in place regarding delegated authority to grant temporary release, with an assessment to be commenced after six months of operation.
The Probation Service has been actively engaging with the Judiciary regarding a number of actions related to Community Service Orders (CSOs), and work to amend legislation to increase the limit of CSO hours is being progressed. Work on legislative amendments regarding ineligibility for temporary release for those serving minimum sentences is also underway. A policy review of the Criminal Justice (Community Sanctions) Bill 2014 has been completed and will be brought to Government shortly.
An evaluation of the Dublin Drug Treatment Court, in accordance with the National Drugs Strategy, is a key priority for the Department, which remains strongly engaged and committed to advancing this initiative in 2025. The outcomes of the evaluation will inform recommendations regarding the future direction of Drug Treatment Courts across the country. Plans are in progress to engage with stakeholders around bail and the committal process and a detailed policy paper is currently under preparation in respect of post-release supervision.
In addition, and to further consider future prison capacity needs, a new Working Group was established, the Future Prison Capacity Working Group. This group has been examining the capacity requirements of the prison system out to 2035. An initial report of this group is expected shortly.
959. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Justice to provide details of her engagement with the European Union Home Affairs Committee in December 2024; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46567/24]
View answerI can advise the Deputy that the agenda for the Justice and Home Affairs Ministerial Council on 12 December included a range of issues for discussion.
Among the matters tabled for discussion were the implementation of the Migration and Asylum Pact, which included a focus on the preparatory steps being taken to apply these laws from June 2026 and how the European Commission can support Member States to be ready to give effect to the EU’s new asylum and migration system, as provided for in the Pact.
The Council considered a report on the progress achieved in the EU’s fight against drug trafficking and organised crime and looked at measures planned to further this work in the coming months. We also discussed the proposed new legislative measure to combat child sexual abuse, as well as discussing improved access to data for law enforcement.
Ministers also agreed on a set of strategic guidelines to steer the future work of the Justice and Home Affairs Council.
960. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Justice if she will be supporting at European Union level the processing of asylum and international protection applications in a safe third country prior to such applicants arriving in Ireland; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46568/24]
View answerUnder current Irish and EU law provision is made for the designation of safe third countries, whereby international protection applicants entering from such a country, where a person has sufficient connection with that safe third country, and that country is a safe country for that individual person, any international protection application they might make may be deemed inadmissible. This will continue to be the case when the EU Migration and Asylum Pact becomes operational in 2026.
In common with EU Member States generally, Ireland will make significant changes to asylum law, policy and procedures to implement the Pact on Migration and Asylum by June 2026. This will include repealing and replacing the International Protection Act 2015. An Interdepartmental Programme Board, chaired by my Department, has been established to oversee Ireland’s implementation of the Pact. The Pact will see streamlined, faster processing of asylum claims as part of a more coherent and aligned Common European Asylum System.
As regards further development of the law in this area, it is expected that the Commission will publish a formal proposal for a new measure on Returns during the current Polish Presidency of the Council of the EU. Ireland is actively engaged in exploring further developments in this regard with the Commission and other Member States and looks forward to any formal proposal from the Commission. Any proposals will require to be practical, effective and sustainable and should be exercised in full respect of fundamental rights and international obligations.
961. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Justice the number of Gardaí assigned to County Offaly for each year from 2021 to date in 2024, by rank, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46569/24]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, under Section 33 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the distribution and stationing of An Garda Síochána throughout the State. As Minister I have no role in these independent functions.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that a distribution model is used which takes into account all relevant factors including population, crime trends and the policing needs of each individual Division.
In the interest of transparency, the number of Garda members nationwide at the end of December 2009 up to 31 October 2024 (the latest date available for figures) broken down by Division, District and Station are published on my Department's website. Please be advised that these figures are operational and may be subject to change.
I am pleased to note that the number of Garda members assigned to Laois/Offaly Division has increased by over 2% since the end of December 2021.
The tables below, which were provided to me by the Garda authorities, set out the number of Garda members assigned to Offaly at the end of December 2021 up to the end of December 2023 and at 31 October 2024, the latest date for when figures are available.
|
31-Dec-21 |
GD |
SG |
IN |
SU |
Total |
|
BIRR |
42 |
6 |
|
|
48 |
|
TULLAMORE |
91 |
14 |
3 |
1 |
109 |
|
TOTAL |
133 |
20 |
3 |
1 |
157 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
31-Dec-22 |
GD |
SG |
IN |
SU |
Total |
|
BIRR |
43 |
8 |
1 |
|
52 |
|
TULLAMORE |
86 |
19 |
3 |
1 |
109 |
|
TOTAL |
129 |
27 |
4 |
1 |
161 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
31-Dec-23 |
GD |
SG |
IN |
SU |
Total |
|
BIRR |
42 |
8 |
1 |
|
51 |
|
TULLAMORE |
84 |
20 |
3 |
1 |
108 |
|
TOTAL |
126 |
28 |
4 |
1 |
159 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
31-Oct-24 |
GD |
SG |
IN |
SU |
Total |
|
BIRR |
42 |
8 |
1 |
|
51 |
|
TULLAMORE |
86 |
21 |
3 |
1 |
111 |
|
TOTAL |
128 |
29 |
4 |
1 |
162 |
I am assured by the Garda Commissioner that personnel assigned throughout the country, together with the overall policing arrangements and operational strategies are continually monitored and reviewed. Such monitoring ensures that optimum use is made of resources and the best possible policing service is provided to the general public.
The Government is committed to supporting Garda recruitment. In Budget 2025, over €2.48 billion has been allocated to An Garda Síochána. This is a 27% increase since 2020 and will allow for the sustained recruitment of new Garda recruits through the year.
As of the end of December 2024 there were 14,191 Garda members assigned across the country. This represents an increase of almost 11% since 2015, when there were 12,816 Gardaí throughout the country.
A number of actions have been taken to support increased recruitment. We have increased the age of entry from 35 to 50 and most recently increased the training allowance to €354, representing an increase of over 92% in the last 12 months.
Since the reopening of the Garda college in September 2014 a total of 157 probationer Gardaí have been assigned to the Laois/Offaly Division. In the interest of transparency, information in relation to the allocation of Probationer Gardaí by Division and Station breakdown is publicly available and can also be found at the following link. I can also advise the Deputy that I have received the most recent figures for the attestation on 13 December 2024 from An Garda Síochána which has been published on the website.
www.gov.ie/en/publication/bd777-an-garda-siochana-your-police-service-some-facts-and-figures/
962. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Justice for an update on a visa application for a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46575/24]
View answerI am happy to inform the Deputy that following full consideration by a Visa Officer the Visa was issued on 9 January 2025.
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.
The person concerned can now directly check the status of their immigration application on the Immigration Service’s new Digital Contact Centre. They can register for, or log in to their existing account, at:
portal.irishimmigration.ie/en/
As an Oireachtas member, you can also request the status of individual immigration cases 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.
963. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Justice to provide Garda numbers for the K district versus other districts in DMR West per 10,000 population. [46612/24]
View answer965. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Justice to provide the Garda numbers in Blanchardstown, Cabra, Lucan and Ronanstown stations over the past ten years including 2024. [46614/24]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, under Section 33 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Commissioner determines the distribution and stationing of the Garda Síochána throughout the State.
It is important to note that ratios such as the number of Gardaí per head of population are not an appropriate tool to use when considering the allocation of Garda resources as they fail to take account of, among other things, the fact that crime levels and types can vary significantly among communities of similar population size.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that a distribution model is used which takes into account all relevant factors including population, crime trends and the policing needs of each individual Division.
I am assured by the Garda Commissioner that personnel assigned throughout the country, together with the overall policing arrangements and operational strategies are continually monitored and reviewed. Such monitoring ensures that optimum use is made of resources and the best possible policing service is provided to the general public.
Supporting Garda recruitment is a top priority. In Budget 2025, over €2.48 billion has been allocated to An Garda Síochána. This is a 27% increase since 2020 and will allow for the sustained recruitment of new Garda recruits through the year.
As of the end of December 2024 there were 14,191 Garda members assigned across the country. This represents an increase of almost 11% since 2015, when there were 12,816 Gardaí throughout the country.
A number of actions have been taken to support increased recruitment. We have increased the age of entry from 35 to 50 and most recently increased the training allowance to €354, representing an increase of over 92% in the last 12 months.
In the interest of transparency, the number of Garda members nationwide at the end of December 2009 up to the end of December 2023, and at 31 October 2024 (the latest date available for figures) broken down by Division, District and Station are published on my Department's website. Please be advised that these figures are operational and may be subject to change.
I am pleased to note that the number of Garda members assigned to the DMR West has increased by over 7% since the end of December 2015. Blanchardstown district has seen an increase of 5.5% in the same period, while Clondalkin and Lucan districts have seen increases of 3.6% and over 14% respectively. The table below which was provided to me by the Garda authorities, sets out the number of Garda members assigned to the DMR West on 31 October 2024.
|
D.M.R. WEST 31 October 2024 |
Station |
GD |
SG |
IN |
SU |
CS |
AC |
Total |
|
BLANCHARDSTOWN |
BLANCHARDSTOWN |
135 |
26 |
6 |
3 |
1 |
|
171 |
|
|
CABRA |
57 |
7 |
2 |
|
|
|
66 |
|
|
FINGLAS |
94 |
12 |
2 |
|
|
|
108 |
|
|
TOTAL |
286 |
45 |
10 |
3 |
1 |
|
345 |
|
CLONDALKIN |
BALLYFERMOT |
54 |
8 |
1 |
|
|
|
63 |
|
|
CLONDALKIN |
98 |
19 |
5 |
2 |
|
|
124 |
|
|
RATHCOOLE |
14 |
|
|
|
|
|
14 |
|
|
TOTAL |
166 |
27 |
6 |
2 |
|
|
201 |
|
LUCAN |
LUCAN |
78 |
12 |
3 |
1 |
|
|
94 |
|
|
RONANSTOWN |
82 |
12 |
3 |
|
|
|
97 |
|
|
TOTAL |
160 |
24 |
6 |
1 |
|
|
191 |
|
D.M.R. WEST Total |
|
612 |
96 |
22 |
6 |
1 |
|
737 |
Since the reopening of the Garda college in September 2014 a total of 506 probationer Gardaí have been assigned to the DMR West Division. In the interest of transparency, information in relation to the allocation of Probationer Gardaí by Division and Station breakdown is publicly available and can also be found at the following link. I can also advise the Deputy that I have received the most recent figures for the attestation on 13 December 2024 from An Garda Síochána which has been published on my Department's website.
www.gov.ie/en/publication/bd777-an-garda-siochana-your-police-service-some-facts-and-figures/
964. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Justice to provide crime statistics for the K district versus other districts in DMR West in 2024. [46613/24]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, the Central Statistics Office (CSO), as the national statistical agency, is responsible for the compilation and publication of all crime statistics.
The CSO produces these statistics using data recorded on An Garda Síochána’s PULSE system and makes regular releases in relation to various crime statistics. The most recent statistics were released on 26 September 2024, providing stats for Recorded Crime for Quarter 2 (Q2) 2024. Crime statistics for Q3 of 2024 are not yet available and but will be published by the CSO in due course.
Figures in respect of criminal offences reported to Gardaí, including for DMR West, can be found on the CSO website at the following link: data.cso.ie/table/CJQ06
966. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Justice the measures An Garda Síochána are taking to curb the increase in robberies involving rifling through cars or breaking into them, across Dublin West; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46615/24]
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 have no role in these matters and cannot seek to direct the Commissioner in relation to such matters.
The Government is committed to providing An Garda Síochána with the resources needed to keep people safe. This is reflected in the unprecedented allocation of over €2.48 billion in Budget 2025. This is allowing for sustained investment in recruitment, equipment, technology, and vehicles.
To be of assistance to the Deputy I have requested an update from Garda authorities in relation to the issue she has raised. I can inform the Deputy that Gardaí in the DMR West have implemented a number of measures in response to the targeting of cars in the Division. Blanchardstown Community Engagement Functional Area (CEFA) have recently held a "lock up light up" day where crime advice was provided to members of the public at high footfall areas. This crime prevention advice related to home security.
Advice was also given in relation to securing your vehicle and ensuring that valuables were not left in plain sight. Increased patrols were conducted throughout the Christmas period in an attempt to tackle antisocial crime including car break-ins.
I can further inform the Deputy that theft from vehicles reported to An Garda Síochána in the Clondalkin Community Engagement Functional Area vary in their locations with incidents reported in residential areas, industrial estates and car parks.
Garda authorities advise that the majority of incidents appear to be opportunistic in nature, whereby culprits canvass certain areas and target unlocked vehicles and/or vehicles which may display valuables. Patrols by uniform Garda members are carried out in such areas, especially in public parks and adjoining car parks. Community Policing Units attend Resident’s Association meetings and provide crime prevention advice to attendees with regards to personal safety and property safety.
Finally, I can inform the Deputy that Lucan Community Engagement Functional Area (CEFA) has established a new resource unit with two specific objectives; to target antisocial behaviour during the daytime and early evening, and to target property crime including Burglary and Theft from vehicles during night time hours.
Additional plainclothes and uniform units are on patrol in the Lucan CEFA every night and conduct proactive patrols and checkpoints to prevent and detect crime. In the period of 1 January 24 to 31 December 2024, 2656 proactive patrols and 852 proactive checkpoints were conducted.
967. Deputy Marie Sherlock asked the Minister for Justice to provide details on the pausing of international protection applications and associated family reunification applications from Syria; the planned length of the pause; whether the IPO has contacted each of the Syrian applicants who have applied for international protection or family reunification; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46625/24]
View answerIt is important to note that the Department has not paused accepting applications from Syria or processing any such applications: it is only the issuing of decisions on those applications that has been paused.
When assessing any international protection claim, it must be evaluated against the current situation in that country. With the fall of the regime in Syria, the context against which any application is assessed fundamentally changed.
Therefore, it is incumbent on my Department to temporarily pause issuing any determinations, whether positive or negative, whilst the situation in Syria stabilises to some degree and a proper assessment of those applications can be made in due course. It would be entirely unreasonable to rush to conclude that an applicant, whose claim for protection was based on persecution by the Assad regime, could be refused asylum as the regime has fallen.
As the Deputy may be aware, the UNHCR has noted that a number of States have taken such an approach and expressed the view that, in light of the uncertain and highly fluid situation, the suspension of processing of claims is acceptable as long as Syrians can still apply for asylum. Ireland agrees with that position, which is what we have implemented.
Applicants for international protection from Syria are still entitled to all the attendant rights of applicants under the International Protection Act 2015, including reception conditions and permission to work and so on.
It is not possible at this point to say how long the issuing of determinations will be paused, but the situation will be kept under review.
While the Minister has made public statements that were widely reported relating to the pause in issuing the determinations, the IPO has not been in individual contact with each applicant from Syria.
As the Deputy will be aware, family reunification under the International Protection Act 2015 gives certain family members an immigration permission allowing them to live in Ireland with the holder of an international protection declaration. Family reunification applications for Syrian nationals continue to be processed and family reunification decisions continue made by the Department.
968. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Justice the status of a family reunification visa applications of two persons (details supplied). [46672/24]
View answerI can advise the Deputy that the applications referred to were created on 04 June 2024. Supporting documentation was received in the Abuja Visa Office on 11 June 2024 where it awaits examination and processing.
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.
All visa applicants are advised that the onus is on them to provide as much information in support of their application as they feel is necessary. Guidelines in this regard are posted on the Immigration Service website. Applicants that carefully follow these guidelines have an improved prospect of receiving a positive decision at first instance.
I can advise the Deputy that in 2023, over 166,000 visa applications were submitted. In 2024, approximately 201, 000 visa applications were received by the Visa Division. This reflects an increase of 21%, compared to 2023, with over 35,000 additional applications received.
The vast majority of visa applications are determined in a matter of weeks. However, some applications, in particular those to join family members here, can take considerably longer.
I understand extended wait times can be frustrating. I want to assure anyone who is waiting on a decision that my Department is doing everything possible to progress applications as quickly as possible. I am acutely aware join family applications, are very important for the persons impacted and I am committed to improving the service my Department provides. Recently, I have assigned additional resources and staff to my Department’s visa division which will I expect will reduce the waiting times for family applications in the coming months.
The applicant will be notified as soon as a decision has been reached by a Visa Officer.
Processing times and decisions at the Overseas Visa Offices can be checked at the following link:
www.irishimmigration.ie/visa-decisions/#decisions
The person concerned can now directly check the status of their immigration application on the Immigration Service’s new Digital Contact Centre . They can register for, or log in to their existing account, at:
portal.irishimmigration.ie/en/
As an Oireachtas member, you can also request the status of individual immigration cases 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.
969. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Justice the status of a visa application for a person (details supplied). [46673/24]
View answerThe visa application referred to by the Deputy was refused by the Visa Office in Abu Dhabi on 13 February 2024. The reasons for this decision were set out in the refusal letter sent to the applicants at that time. An appeal of this decision was launched on 02 April 2024.
Appeals for applications of this type are processed in the order in which they are received, to be fair to all applicants. While every effort is made to process these applications as soon as possible, processing times will vary having regard to the volume of appeals received, their complexity, the possible need for the visa office to seek further information in relation to certain appeals and the resources available to process them.
All visa applicants are advised that the onus is on them to provide as much information in support of their application as they feel is necessary. Guidelines in this regard are posted on the Immigration Service website. When making an appeal, the applicant should take into account the reasons for refusal listed in the refusal letter. The appeal should include any further information or additional documentation they wish to have considered, and should be sent for the attention of the Visa Appeals Officer, in the relevant Visa Office, where the matter will be considered afresh.
Full consideration will be given to any appeals received on behalf of the applicants, however the onus is on applicants to satisfy the Visa Officer that visas should be granted.
Processing times and decisions at the Overseas Visa Offices can be checked at the following link:
www.irishimmigration.ie/visa-decisions/#decisions
I can advise the Deputy that in 2023, over 166,000 visa applications were submitted. In 2024, approximately 201, 000 visa applications were received by the Visa Division. This reflects an increase of 21%, compared to 2023, with over 35,000 additional applications received.
The vast majority of visa applications are determined in a matter of weeks. However, some applications, in particular those to join family members here, can take considerably longer.
I understand extended wait times can be frustrating. I want to assure anyone who is waiting on a decision that my Department is doing everything possible to progress applications as quickly as possible. I am acutely aware join family applications, are very important for the persons impacted and I am committed to improving the service my Department provides. Recently, I have assigned additional resources and staff to my Department’s visa division which will I expect will reduce the waiting times for family applications in the coming months.
The person concerned can now directly check the status of their immigration application on the Immigration Service’s new Digital Contact Centre. They can register for, or log in to their existing account, at:
portal.irishimmigration.ie/en/
As an Oireachtas member, you can also request the status of individual immigration cases 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.
970. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Justice the status of family reunification visa applications for persons (details supplied). [46674/24]
View answerI am happy to inform the Deputy that following full consideration by a Visa Officer the Visas referred to were issued on 16 January 2025.
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.
Any non EU/EEA nationals who wish to remain for longer than 90 days must register with their local immigration office and apply for further permission to remain before their initial permission to remain expires. Full details of the Registration process can be found at the link below:
www.irishimmigration.ie/registering-your-immigration-permission/how-to-register-your-immigration-permission-for-the-first-time/requirements-and-documents-needed/
The person concerned can now directly check the status of their immigration application on the Immigration Service’s new Digital Contact Centre (DCC). They can register for, or log in to their existing account, at:
portal.irishimmigration.ie/en/
As an Oireachtas member, you can also request the status of individual immigration cases 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.
972. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Justice the reason for the removal of security clearance for a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46771/24]
View answerSecurity clearance is an important element of the State's national security framework.
Cases do arise where it is simply not possible to provide the required security clearance.
As the Deputy will appreciate, as Minister for Justice I cannot comment on any individual case.
973. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Justice for an update on future plans for the old Cork Prison site. [46817/24]
View answer1057. Deputy Jerry Buttimer asked the Minister for Justice to provide an update on the review of the Old Cork Prison in Rathmore road, Cork. [2016/25]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, engineering consultants were engaged by the Irish Prison Service in late 2023 to carry out a detailed assessment of the old Cork Prison facility and to provide a feasibility report on the site with various options for its use.
The draft report was received by the Irish Prison Service in October last year and it is currently being considered by them. The site remains of strategic interest to the Irish Prison Service as a location for possible future development.
974. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Justice in relation to the case of a person (details supplied), the actions that will be taken to tackle homophobic and xenophobic attacks and ensure public safety. [46829/24]
View answerIreland is, in general, a diverse and welcoming country, but regrettably there is a small minority who subject others to abuse or attack resulting from their own prejudice.
The Deputy will appreciate that I cannot comment on individual cases but this behaviour cannot and will not be tolerated. Anyone subjected to attacks of the nature outlined in the correspondence should report it to An Garda Síochána.
The Deputy will be aware that I commenced the Criminal Justice (Hate Offences) Act 2024 on 31 December last.
The new legislation provides for increased prison sentences for certain crimes, where proven to be motivated by hatred, or where hatred is demonstrated. For example, the legislation ensures that assault aggravated by hatred, or damage to property aggravated by hatred, will attract higher prison sentences. Where hatred is not proven, a person can still be charged with assault or damage to property.
This legislation will protect people targeted because of certain identity characteristics, namely - race; colour; nationality; religion; national or ethnic origin; descent; disability; gender; sex characteristics and sexual orientation.
Ireland is one of the last countries in the EU to legislate for hate crime and the most recent figures from An Garda Síochána again confirmed the need for legislation here.
We are determined to stamp out hate-motivated crimes and we are determined to protect vulnerable communities.
As the Deputy will be aware, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána, which includes the training of Garda members and recruits and the allocation of resources within An Garda Síochána.
As Minister, these are not matters I have responsibility for but I have been advised by the Commissioner that An Garda Síochána takes hate crime seriously and is strongly committed to engaging proactively and respectfully with all members of society, and, in particular, persons from minority groups and diverse backgrounds.
The Garda National Diversity Unit (GNDU) forms part of the Garda National Community Engagement Bureau and has a very positive working relationship with the diverse communities across Ireland. The latter are represented on the Garda National Diversity Forum, which informs the Garda Diversity and Integration Strategy.
The GNDU monitor all incidents recorded on Pulse that have a discriminatory motive attached to them. They advise, support and assist investigating Gardaí across the country who are investigating incidents which may have a discriminatory motive attached.
An Garda Síochána continues to invest in and train the network of Garda diversity officers across every Garda division, training a network of 586 to date. Their role is to liaise with representatives of the various minority/diverse communities in their division, establish communication links, inform and assure these communities of Garda services and provide support to victims of hate crime.
More than 86% of all Garda personnel have completed the Hate Crime Training. Cultural Awareness Training for An Garda Síochána has been developed and will be introduced in early 2025.
Speaking more generally, there are a number of Garda Operations taking place in Dublin to provide a high-visibility policing presence and deter anti-social behaviour. These include:
Operation Citizen which continues to reassure the citizens, visitors and the business community in Dublin City Centre that it is a safe place in which to visit, socialise, conduct business and enjoy its amenities;
• Operation Saul which aims to provide a safe environment for commuters utilising public transport services in the Dublin Metropolitan Region;
• Operation Táirge targeting Retail Theft;
• Operation Tara tackling street level drug-dealing.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that Operation Citizen continues to be implemented in Dublin City Centre. Operation Citizen has been in operation since October 2021 and was implemented for the purpose of providing reassurance to citizens, visitors and the business community that Dublin city centre is a safe place in which to visit, conduct business, socialise and enjoy its amenities.
The aim of the operation is to deliver an enhanced, high-visibility policing presence in the city centre on a daily basis. Operation Citizen focuses on a collaborative community and stakeholder engagement approach, recognising that many of the issues that arise in the city centre require a response that reaches beyond An Garda Síochána alone.
975. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Justice if she will instruct her Department to provide support to people from Gaza who have lost almost all their immediate families (details supplied); if she will provide clear instructions about any way that they may apply for a visa so that their family can join them in Ireland once the Rafah crossing opens; if there is a sponsorship programme that they could avail of to assist in coming here; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46874/24]
View answerI am acutely aware of the grave humanitarian crisis in Gaza and my Department has worked closely with colleagues in the Department of Foreign Affairs 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.
While a specific admission programme in respect of Gaza does not exist, all existing immigration arrangements and programmes are open to the persons affected. Details of the various pathways can be found on the Immigration Service website at the following link: www.irishimmigration.ie/ Visa applications for family members of Palestinian nationals living in Ireland are considered on a case-by-case basis and, wherever possible, they are processed speedily and sympathetically. My Department is in regular contact with the Embassy of Ireland in Israel regarding a number of visa applications, from residents of Gaza, the West Bank and Lebanon. The Embassy are actively engaging with applicants to gather the required documents to ensure that the Visa Division of my Department have everything needed progress these applications.
976. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Justice the steps she has taken to ensure that citizenship applications are not facing disproportionate delays based on the applicant’s country of origin. [46881/24]
View answerI understand the extended wait times can be frustrating for applicants. I want to assure anyone who has an application for naturalisation submitted that the Citizenship Division of my Department is doing everything possible to progress applications as quickly as possible.
It is important to note that no two applications are the same and some take longer than others to process.
All applicants must undergo Garda vetting. Unfortunately, it is the case that some international checks can take a considerable amount of time and are largely out of the control of my Department.
Citizenship Division have taken a significant number of steps to speed up the process for applicants. These included introducing an online digital application, online payments, and the introduction of eVetting. I am pleased to inform the Deputy that these changes are dramatically reducing processing times.
In just 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 in 2023 and nearly 31,000 in 2024. This has meant that the length of time it takes to process an application has dropped from 15 months in 2023 to 8 months in 2024.
Citizenship Division held 24 citizenship ceremonies last year, an increase from the 15 ceremonies held in 2023, and the 6 that were held in 2022. My Department will continue to hold ceremonies on a regular basis during 2025.
977. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Justice the status of a citizenship application (details supplied); when it is likely that same will be completed as it is over 55 months since the application was first lodged; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46899/24]
View answerThe naturalisation application from the person referred to by the Deputy continues to be processed by my Department.
This application is based on Section 16 'Irish Association', which can take typically longer to process than applications based upon residency.
Section 15 of the Act sets out the statutory conditions that must be fulfilled for a certificate of naturalisation to be granted. Section 16 of the Act gives discretion to waive the statutory conditions in certain circumstances, including where the applicant is of Irish descent or Irish associations (related through blood, affinity or adoption to a person who is or is entitled to be an Irish citizen).
Any application made under S16 should be supported by substantive documentation. This documentation should show that the S16 application is exceptional and one where the normal residency pathways to citizenship are not appropriate. However, there is no automatic right or entitlement to have any of the statutory conditions waived even where the applicant comes within the certain circumstances defined.
Officials in my Department are in the process of finalising guidelines, which will provide clarity to both applicants and decision-makers on what factors may be considered when deciding whether to waive such naturalisation conditions under section 16(1)(a) of the Act. These new guidelines are being developed in the interests of fair and transparent procedures and comprehensive decision making. Details of the new guidelines will be made publicly available once they have been finalised and should also assist in reducing processing times for these complex cases.
