Wednesday, 22 Jan 2025

Written Answers Nos. 978-997

Family Reunification

Questions (978)

Emer Currie

Question:

978. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Justice for an update on the review of the family reunion policy, including timelines and salary thresholds. [46902/24]

Written answers

Minister for Justice

The review of the Policy Document for Non-EEA Family Reunification, which was last amended in 2016, is examining a wide range of matters relating to applications for family reunification, including the nature and suitability of current income thresholds and waiting periods. My Department has consulted with a wide variety of stakeholders and the expectation is that the review will be brought to a conclusion in the coming months.

While I fully understand that people moving to Ireland to live and work would wish to have their family join them, the issues to be examined as part of a family reunification application are complex. An important consideration in all family reunification applications, for example, is the ability of the sponsor to demonstrate a clear capacity to provide for their family member or members if they are to be granted a permission to come to Ireland.

I can also advise that, with effect from 15 May 2024, the first part of the review was implemented in that eligible spouses and partners of General Employment Permit and Intra-Corporate Transfer Irish Employment Permit holders, who have applied for and been granted family reunification, in accordance with the Non-EEA Family Reunification Policy, are now registered on a Stamp 1G permission, rather than a Stamp 3. This allows the holder to take up employment without the need to obtain a separate Employment Permit of their own.

State Bodies

Questions (979)

Alan Kelly

Question:

979. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Justice if a list will be provided of all persons appointed to State or semi-State boards under her remit since 1 November 2024. [46932/24]

Written answers

Minister for Justice

In making appointments to State boards, I can advise the Deputy that my Department, and agencies operating under its aegis, ensure compliance with the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform’s Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies (2016). I can also state that particular attention is paid to the Code’s  Annex on Gender Balance, Diversity and Inclusion (2020) and to the Guidelines on Appointments to State Boards (2015).

During the timeframe in question, I can advise the Deputy that there have been appointments, including reappointments, made to the Property Services Regulatory Authority (PSRA), the Legal Services Regulatory Authority (LSRA), the Policing Authority and the Parole Board, details of which are outlined in the table below.

State Board	Appointee*	Date	Nominating Body	Appointed By
PSRA	Eugene Cummins	28/11/2024	-	Minister (following PAS** process)
PSRA	Joan O'Connor	28/11/2024	-	Minister (following PAS** process)
PSRA	John Elliot	28/11/2024	-	Minister (following PAS** process)
LSRA	Bríd O'Donovan	11/12/2024	Citizens Information Board	Government
LSRA	Eilis Barry*	11/12/2024	Irish Human Rights & Equality Commission	Government
LSRA	Emily Sherlock	11/12/2024	Legal Aid Board	Government
LSRA	Michele O'Boyle SC	11/12/2024	Law Society	Government
LSRA	Paul McGarry SC	11/12/2024	Honorable Society of Kings Inns	Government
LSRA	Paul O'Donovan	11/12/2024	Consumer Association of Ireland	Government
LSRA	Simon Murphy*	11/12/2024	Law Society	Government
LSRA	Tom Boland (Chair)	11/12/2024	Higher Education Authority	Government
Policing Authority	Dr Donal de Buitleir*	01/01/2025	-	Government (following PAS** process)
Policing Authority	Dr Deborah Donnelly*	01/01/2025	-	Government (following PAS** process)
Policing Authority	Dr Elaine Byrne*	01/01/2025	-	Government (following PAS** process)
Policing Authority	Paul Mageean*	01/01/2025	-	Government (following PAS** process)
Policing Authority	Anthony Harbinson*	01/01/2025	-	Government (following PAS** process)
Parole Board	Ms Justice Margaret Heneghan***	01/01/2025	Chief Justice	Minister

* Denotes reappointment

** PAS refers to the Public Appointments Service, also known as publicjobs

*** Justice Heneghan was previously on the board as an ordinary member, but following the retirement of the sitting board chair and nomination by the Chief Justice, was appointed as chairperson as of 01/01/2025

An Garda Síochána

Questions (980)

Peadar Tóibín

Question:

980. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Justice the amount spent by An Garda Síochána on consultancy services, in total, for each of the past ten years and on what the money was spent. [1061/25]

Written answers

Minister for Justice

I have requested the information sought by the Deputy from the Garda authorities. Regrettably, this was not available in time and I will write to the Deputy once the information is to hand. 

An Garda Síochána

Questions (981)

Peadar Tóibín

Question:

981. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Justice how many Gardaí have been trained in response driving and pursuit driving for each of the past ten years and the percentage of Gardaí that are qualified to respond and pursuit drive currently. [1062/25]

Written answers

Minister for Justice

As the Deputy will be aware, in accordance with the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), it is the Garda Commissioner who is responsible for managing and controlling generally the administration and business of An Garda Síochána, including the training of its members. As Minister, I have no role in the matter.

I am informed by the Commissioner that there is a five-level suite of competency based driving (CBD) courses, with each level specifically catering for the required knowledge base, skill set and operational requirements of Garda members.

CBD Level 1 consists of a one-day assessment programme. Members who successfully complete CBD Level 1 will be deemed competent to carry out non-response driving functions and routine driving functions commensurate to the role.

CBD Level 2 is a two-week Competency Based Driving Course aimed at frontline Garda Drivers. This course contains Road Craft techniques and emergency response driving. 

CBD Level 3 is an addition to the CBD2 course and is of three weeks in duration. This course has a requirement for a higher skillset of driving to facilitate the driving of higher powered vehicles. I am advised that Competency Based Driving Level 3 is the highest level of training given to operational members.

Following the publication of the An Garda Síochána Spontaneous Pursuit Policy in December 2024, a pursuit training course is now in development. Competency Based Driving Level 2 and the Competency Based Driving Level 3 courses include instructions on response driving. 

The more specialised levels CBD4 and CBD5 are only delivered to members undergoing the selection process to become Garda Driving Instructors.

As you will appreciate, the allocations of training courses are on a divisional basis with Garda Members selected by local management.

I have been provided with the table below by the Garda Authorities which details the number of members who undertook CBD course at level 2 and 3 from 2014 to 2024. You may wish to note, further data is not released by An Garda Síochána for counts of fewer than 10 for data protection and security reasons.

Year	CBD2	CBD3
2014	553	*
2015	507	*
2016	437	157
2017	380	54
2018	437	50
2019	407	53
2020	107	14
2021	42	30
2022	507	32
2023	687	31
2024	612	31

*Denotes less than 10

Visa Applications

Questions (982)

Marie Sherlock

Question:

982. Deputy Marie Sherlock asked the Minister for Justice for an update on the visa application for a person (details supplied) regarding family reunification; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1083/25]

Written answers

Minister for Justice

I am happy to inform the Deputy that following full consideration by a Visa Officer the Visa was issued on 14 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 . 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: [e-mail], 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.

Visa Applications

Questions (983)

Mairéad Farrell

Question:

983. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Justice the reason for the discrepancy in processing times for join family visas where the sponsor is an Irish citizen, in Category A or Category B, compared to where the sponsor is from another European Union Member State; and the steps being taken to decrease processing times. [1097/25]

Written answers

Minister for Justice

I understand that extended wait times can be frustrating for applicants and I want to assure anyone who has an application for a join family visa that my Department is doing everything possible to progress applications as quickly as possible.

Processing times for these applications are influenced by a number of factors including the type and complexity of application, individual circumstances, the volume of applications and, crucially, the quality and completeness of the application lodged. 

Processing times may also be affected by the legal basis on which the application is made.

Where an applicant is a family member of an EU, EEA or Swiss citizen, who is exercising their rights under EU law their visa application must be processed in accordance with relevant EU Law (Directive 2004/38/EC) as a qualifying family member or permitted family member. It is important to note that such visa applications are only applications to travel to the State and do not give permission to reside in the State. If a visa is granted, that person must make a further application to reside in Ireland after they arrive here.

Applications where the sponsor is an Irish citizen are not subject to a statutory timeframe process for the initial visa but are processed in accordance with the Join Family policy document. The initial visa application may take longer to process as it consists of an application to travel to the State together with a full assessment and application to reside in the State.

I am acutely aware that join family applications, are very important for the persons impacted and I am committed to improving the service my Department provides. In recent months, I have assigned additional resources and staff to my Department’s visa division which I expect reduce the waiting times for family applications in the coming months.

An Garda Síochána

Questions (984)

Martin Kenny

Question:

984. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Justice the number of persons listed on the Register of Specified Information, maintained by the Chief Bureau Officer of the National Vetting Bureau under section 10 of the National Vetting Bureau (Children and Vulnerable Persons) Act 2012, as of 1 January in each of the years from 2010 to 2023, in tabular form. [1103/25]

Written answers

Minister for Justice

I have requested the information sought by the Deputy from the Garda authorities. Regrettably, this was not available in time and I will write to the Deputy once the information is to hand.

The following deferred reply was received under Standing Orders.

Under the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the administration and management of An Garda Síochána, which includes the management of the Garda Vetting system. As Minister, I have no role in these independent functions.

The legal obligation on a Scheduled Organisation to notify the National Vetting Bureau of specified information, pursuant to section 19, began on 29 April 2016 with the commencement of the National Vetting Bureau (Children and Vulnerable Persons) Act 2012. Therefore, there are no statistics available for the years 2010 to 2015.

I have been informed by Garda management that it is not possible for the GNVB to provide a disaggregated number of persons for whom notifications were made in any given year as the Register is not configured to render this data.

The Garda National Vetting Bureau (GNVB) have provided the number of notifications received from scheduled organisations. Each notification contains specific information which a scheduled organisation has discovered in respect of a person following an investigation, inquiry or regulatory process.

The table below, provided to me by Garda authorities details the number of Section 19 Notifications received by the National Vetting Bureau on an annual basis from 2017 to 2023.

Section 19 Notifications Received

Year	Total Number
2017	<10
2018	43
2019	74
2020	229
2021	134
2022	174
2023	264

An Garda Síochána

Questions (985)

Martin Kenny

Question:

985. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Justice the number of persons under 18 years listed on the Register of Specified Information as of 1 January in each of the years from 2010 to 2023, in tabular form. [1104/25]

Written answers

Minister for Justice

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, which includes the management of the Garda Vetting system. As Minister, I have no role in these independent functions.

The legal obligation on a Scheduled Organisation to notify the National Vetting Bureau of specified information, pursuant to section 19, began on 29 April 2016 with the commencement of the National Vetting Bureau (Children and Vulnerable Persons) Act 2012. Therefore, there are no statistics available for the years 2010 to 2015.

I have sought the information requested by the Deputy from the Garda authorities. The table below, sets out the number of persons under 18 years listed on the Register of Specified Information from 2016 to 2023.

I am advised that, of the notifications received in respect of persons under 18 years of age, the majority are aged 17 years and turn 18 before the end of the year in which the notification is received.

Year	Number of persons under 18 years listed on the Register of Specified Information
2016	Nil
2017	Nil
2018	Nil
2019	Nil
2020	Nil
2021	Fewer than 10
2022	Fewer than 10
2023	Nil

I am informed by the Garda authorities that data is not released by An Garda Síochána for counts less than 10, for data protection and security reasons.

An Garda Síochána

Questions (986)

Martin Kenny

Question:

986. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Justice the annual number of new entries to the Register of Specified Information involving individuals under the age of 18 at the time of their entry in each of the years from 2010 to 2023, in tabular form. [1105/25]

Written answers

Minister for Justice

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, which includes the management of the Garda Vetting system. As Minister, I have no role in these independent functions.

The legal obligation on a Scheduled Organisation to notify the National Vetting Bureau of specified information, pursuant to section 19, began on 29 April 2016 with the commencement of the National Vetting Bureau (Children and Vulnerable Persons) Act 2012. Therefore, there are no statistics available for the years 2010 to 2015.

I have sought the information requested by the Deputy from the Garda authorities. The table below, sets out the annual number of new entries under 18 years listed on the Register of Specified Information from 2016 to 2023.

I am advised that, of the notifications received in respect of persons under 18 years of age, the majority are aged 17 years and turn 18 before the end of the year in which the notification is received.

The increase in the number of notifications received for persons under the age of 18 years is consistent with the year on year increase of the total number of notifications of specified information received. 

Year	Number of new entries under 18 years listed on the Register of Specified Information
2016	Nil
2017	Nil
2018	Nil
2019	Nil
2020	Fewer than 10
2021	Fewer than 10
2022	Fewer than 10
2023	Fewer than 10

I am informed by the Garda authorities that data is not released by An Garda Síochána for counts less than 10, for data protection and security reasons.

Visa Applications

Questions (987)

Carol Nolan

Question:

987. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Justice whether she has engaged with her ministerial counterparts, or other relevant authorities, in the United Kingdom and in Northern Ireland regarding the possibility of persons involved in grooming or sexual exploitation of children in those jurisdictions travelling to, or applying for residence in Ireland; if not, if she will commit to doing so at the earliest possible opportunity; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1108/25]

Written answers

Minister for Justice

Any person arriving into Ireland who has been convicted of a sex offence is required to notify  An Garda Síochána of their name and address for a period deemed by the court to reflect the seriousness of the offence, even if no prison sentence was imposed. It is a criminal offence not to do so. 

An Garda Síochána engages extensively with other police services in relation to monitoring the travel arrangements of convicted sex offenders to and from the jurisdiction, particularly in respect of those countries with similar legislation to the Sex Offenders Act 2001.

I understand that notifications on the movements of sex offenders are generally made via the Interpol Office. An Information Sharing Agreement exists between An Garda Síochána and the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) supported by a Memorandum of Understanding between the Irish and UK governments which allows the sharing of information directly between the Sex Offender Management & Intelligence Unit (SOMIU), Garda National Protective Services Bureau (GNPSB) and the Public Protection Intelligence Unit, PSNI regarding convicted sex offenders who cross over the border between both jurisdictions.

When the SOMIU receives such a notification, the intelligence is recorded on the Garda PULSE system and the relevant nominated Divisional Inspector involved in the monitoring of sex offenders is notified immediately, who is then required to organise for the monitoring of the offender, and where relevant, the offender is visited to ensure they understand their requirements under Part II of the Act of 2001.

An Garda Síochána

Questions (988)

Martin Kenny

Question:

988. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Justice if her Department has received a completed report from a judge (details supplied) into the operation of the Garda Youth Diversion Programme [1111/25]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Justice and Equality

It has not been possible to provide a response at this time. I will write to the Deputy directly, when the information required is to hand. 

The following deferred reply was received under Standing Orders.

I can inform the Deputy that the operation of the Garda Youth Diversion Programme is kept under review by An Garda Síochána and by my Department. This included examination, during the development of the Youth Justice Strategy, of all recommendations on youth justice issues that had been raised in previous reports or in discussion with stakeholders.

The Children Act requires that all child offenders be considered for diversion, with prosecution only for serious offences or prolific reoffending. The most serious offences are subject to a formal criminal investigation and are referred to the DPP, but it is important that each child is assessed, and each case is considered on the merits.

A key principle of the Garda Youth Diversion Programme is that the child accepts responsibility for the offence and participates on a voluntary basis. The statutory Youth Diversion Programme is supported by a network of Youth Diversion Projects (YDPs) to provide a range of supports and interventions, including training and mentoring. For interventions to be effective, the offender must want to change and the focus of the Garda Juvenile Liaison Officer (JLO) service and YDPs is on supporting a process of personal development, empathy and maturity.

The Youth Justice Strategy is nearing its midterm point. I am aware of questions that have been raised about the management of children who commit sex offences, in particular, and I have asked that An Garda Síochána and my Department work together with all other relevant agencies to examine the range of issues and recommendations that have been made in that regard and to report to me as soon as a review has been completed. This will include an examination of whether any changes in operations are needed to ensure consistency in management of serious offences and also whether any legislative amendments are needed.

The report referred to by the Deputy was commissioned by An Garda Síochána and not by my Department. I understand that a final version is currently being prepared within An Garda Síochána and will be published shortly.

Family Reunification

Questions (989)

Peadar Tóibín

Question:

989. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Justice if a family reunification application by a person (details supplied) will be expedited. [1112/25]

Written answers

Minister for Justice

I am happy to inform the Deputy that following full consideration by a Visa Officer the Visa was issued on 14 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. 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: [e-mail], 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.

Citizenship Applications

Questions (990)

Michael Collins

Question:

990. Deputy Michael Collins asked the Minister for Justice to detail the citizenship entitlements of a person (details supplied) and the alternatives to citizenship if that is not available. [1128/25]

Written answers

Minister for Justice

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.

There are no provisions for the spouse or partner of an Irish citizen to acquire Irish citizenship solely by virtue of a marriage or civil partnership with an Irish citizen. The legal provision that provided for post nuptial citizenship was repealed with effect from 30 November 2005.

Section 15A of the 1956 Act sets out the conditions that apply where the application is based on being the spouse or civil partner of an Irish citizen. The requirements are

* that the couple have been married to, or civil partners of each other, for a period of at least three years and are living together;

* and that the applicant has 3 years’ residence on the island of Ireland prior to making an application, with the final 12 months being continuous residence.

It is open to any individual to lodge an application for naturalisation if and when they are in a position to meet the statutory conditions as specified in the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956, as amended, and pay the appropriate fees.

Any person wishing to travel to Ireland can do so through a number of legal pathways. Details of the various pathways can be found on the Immigration Service website of my Department at the following link: www.irishimmigration.ie/ 

The person concerned may consider a multi entry visa, which allows the holder to travel to Ireland on a number of occasions during the dates shown on the visa. The standard single entry visa option also remains available. As with all visa applications, the granting of a multi-entry visa is at the discretion of the relevant Visa Officer.

The availability of 5-year multi entry short stay visa to eligible applicants from all visa required countries is a very positive measure. It will enable people who visit Ireland regularly, for business or family reasons in particular, to make one application, which when granted, will then cover travel over a five year period.

Work Permits

Questions (991)

Michael Collins

Question:

991. Deputy Michael Collins asked the Minister for Justice when the permit for a person (details supplied) will be issued. [1130/25]

Written answers

Minister for Justice

The application from the person referred to by the Deputy was approved on 19 November 2024. A letter of the same date issued to the person concerned granting them temporary permission to remain in the State on Stamp 3 immigration conditions for a period of 12 months.

The person concerned should make arrangements to register their permission as soon as possible if they have not already done so.  All renewals are being processed online at: inisonline.jahs.ie.

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: [e-mail], 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.

Naturalisation Applications

Questions (992)

Duncan Smith

Question:

992. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Justice the timeline for the naturalisation of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1155/25]

Written answers

Minister for Justice

Immigration officials of my Department have checked their records and advised that they cannot locate any applications for the person cited in the details supplied by the Deputy.

However, if the Deputy can provide any additional information via my Department's Immigration Oireachtas service, I will arrange for a further response to the Deputy.

As an Oireachtas member, you can request the status of individual immigration cases by e-mail, using the Oireachtas Mail facility at: [e-mail], 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 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/ 

Citizenship Applications

Questions (993)

Marie Sherlock

Question:

993. Deputy Marie Sherlock asked the Minister for Justice the status of two citizenship applications (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1178/25]

Written answers

Minister for Justice

The naturalisation applications from the people referred to by the Deputy have been received by the Citizenship division of my Department, but have not yet been registered.

Citizenship Division are currently registering applications from August 2024. Once registered, a Personal ID and Citizenship application reference number will formally issue.

When the applicant submitted the online application for Naturalisation an auto-receipt will have been emailed.

Applications are strictly being registered and will be processed in chronological order.

Once the application for the person referred to by the Deputy has been registered, they can 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: https://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: [e-mail], 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.

Legislative Reviews

Questions (994)

Louise O'Reilly

Question:

994. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Justice if any review of the Courts of Justice Act 1924 will address the outdated language used in section 88(3)(d) of that Act; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1180/25]

Written answers

Minister for Justice

As you may be aware, the Courts of Justice Act 1924 is one of the most significant pieces of legislation in the State as it established the basic structure of our courts system.

I can assure the Deputy that, in proposing new legislation or considering amendments to existing laws on an ongoing basis, my Department consistently evaluates the language used in our legislation and considers any necessary amendments to ensure it remains effective, continues to serve its intended purpose and is aligned with the societal needs of today.

Visa Agreements

Questions (995)

Duncan Smith

Question:

995. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Justice to clarify any regulations surrounding an individual who has overstayed a visa in Ireland but has subsequently left the country, and who then applies for a visitor visa; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1185/25]

Written answers

Minister for Justice

I can advise the Deputy that the central concern in deciding on visa applications, as with all visa services worldwide, is to strike an appropriate balance between protecting the country's vital national interests by maintaining an effective immigration regime while at the same time facilitating travel for those who meet the criteria.

It should be noted that should any person, who has a negative immigration history, make a visa application to travel to Ireland their application will be assessed on its own merits taking all relevant information into consideration at that time. Their prior immigration history is a matter of record but does not preclude them from seeking a visa in the future.

As part of the visa application process applicants must provide details of any instances where they have been refused entry, deported from or overstayed in the State or any other country. They must also provide details of any criminal convictions in any country.

My Departments website clearly advises all applicants that if they include false or misleading information or documents in their application they may be refused. They are also advised that in some circumstances, they may not be allowed to appeal the visa decision and may be prevented from being granted an Irish visa for five years.

Further information is available on my Department’s website at the following link:

www.irishimmigration.ie/

Travel Documents

Questions (996)

Carol Nolan

Question:

996. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Justice the number of individuals who have arrived in Ireland at any port of entry, including Dublin Airport, without valid travel documents for each year from 2018 to date in 2025, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1186/25]

Written answers

Minister for Justice

The Border Management Unit (BMU) of my Department is responsible for frontline Immigration at Dublin Airport only. Other airports and other ports of entry are the responsibility of the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB).

The establishment of a person’s identity and nationality is an important feature of our immigration process. Immigration officials conduct passport checks, and run operations as required, to ensure passengers arriving in the State are properly documented in accordance with Section 11 of the Immigration Act 2004.

Under Section 4 of the Immigration Act 2004, an Immigration Officer must determine whether a non-EEA national should be granted leave to land and gain entry to the State. In performing their duties, an Officer is required to consider all of the circumstances of the individual at the time of entry. Section 4(3) of that Act sets out the full range of grounds on which a person may be refused.

The table below details the total number of persons who have been refused leave to land at Dublin Airport, and of that total, the numbers refused due to presenting false identity documents or no identity documents. In relation to other ports of entry, I have sought the information requested from the Garda Commissioner and I will write to the Deputy directly should the information be available.

My Department and the GNIB are working closely with airlines on a range of measures to ensure that passengers have such documentation when boarding. This includes delivering in-person training to relevant airline ground-handling staff on immigration requirements and false travel documentation. BMU officials are also available 24/7 to assist airlines with any immigration queries.

BMU and GNIB also have an ongoing intelligence-led programme of operations at airplanes to detect passengers who destroyed documents inflight and to identify the point of embarkation of undocumented passengers. Last year in 2024, the BMU have carried out over 7,300 doorstep operations at Dublin Airport.

I also strengthened visa requirements to travel to Ireland, provided funding for a Garda Airport Liaison Officers network across European transport hubs and assigned additional resources to the BMU to facilitate disembarkment checks.

BMU and GNIB also have an ongoing intelligence-led programme of operations at airplanes to detect passengers who destroyed documents inflight and to identify the point of embarkation of undocumented passengers.

 Table 1: Dublin Airport refused leave to land figures between 2018 to 2024

BMU	Total Arriving Passengers	Total Refusals	Without Documentation	False Documents + Imposters
2018	15,634,300	3,999	895	891
2019	16,318,300	6,151	1,579	1,849
2020	3,636,256	2,077	712	169
2021	4,118,027	3,210	2,082	279
2022	13,930,041	7,662	4,968	832
2023	16,628,545	5,826	3,287	872
2024	17,310,841	5,255	2,293	1,077

 * These figures are correct at time of issue; however, statistics may change due to data cleansing.

Asylum Seekers

Questions (997)

Carol Nolan

Question:

997. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Justice to provide an update on the work her Department is conducting with respect to implementing the EU Asylum and Migration Pact; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1187/25]

Written answers

Minister for Justice

Ireland has opted in to the EU Asylum and Migration Pact, which will introduce a more comprehensive, streamlined, and efficient approach to asylum and migration.

To enable the changes required under the Pact, the International Protection Act 2015 will be replaced. A cross-departmental Programme Board is overseeing the development of a national implementation plan.  The national implementation plan will set out the State’s proposed approach to meeting the requirements set out in the Migration Pact which comes into effect in June 2026. 

The Programme Board focuses on seven strategic work streams:

• Policy and Legislation 

• Change, Technology and Innovation

• Asylum Processing Including Border Procedure 

• Appeals 

• Returns 

• Organisational Design And Resources 

• Reception And Infrastructure