Tuesday, 26 May 2015

Written Answers Nos. 540-556

Asylum Applications

Ceisteanna (540)

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

540. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if, in the context of determination of eligibility for refugee or asylum status, due cognisance is given to the circumstances prevailing in the applicant's homeland, with particular reference to trafficking in women and children; if the language used in individual cases might be changed to the "applicant states" as opposed to the "applicant claims", the latter indicating disbelief, with possible prejudicial impact on the case; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20840/15]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice and Equality

All applications for refugee status are processed by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner (ORAC) in accordance with the Refugee Act 1996 (as amended).

I am informed by the Commissioner that each application is decided on its own individual merits and the elements considered during the determination process include: the facts and circumstances of the application (including any trafficking allegations); the protection available to the applicant in his/her country of origin; internal protection options available to the applicant elsewhere in their country of origin; whether the fears of the applicant amount to persecution; the reasons for the alleged persecution; and their fear of return in relation to their country of origin.

All asylum applicants are interviewed in accordance with the statutory procedures set out in the Refugee Act 1996. Interviewers are trained to conduct focused interviews which afford applicants the opportunity to fully explain the reasons why they fear returning to their country of origin. As part of the investigation process, the interviewer researches objective country of origin information that will inform the analysis of the application. This work is essential for researching the political and human rights situations in an applicant's country of origin.

In relation to trafficking specifically, caseworkers have received anti human trafficking training as part of their comprehensive training programme. ORAC also has a referral procedure in place with the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB) and the Anti Human Trafficking Unit of my Department for investigating any possible trafficking cases. ORAC will also request GNIB at regular periods to provide updates/results on any trafficking cases referred to them as such information may be of relevance if the investigation of an asylum application is still ongoing. Where allegations of trafficking have been raised by an asylum applicant, these claims will be assessed by the caseworker in line with usual tests regarding the balance of probabilities for credibility and the reasonable likelihood of a well founded fear of persecution.

It is not proposed to change the wording used in protection determination recommendations as this is in line with statutory obligations.

Bail Law

Ceisteanna (541)

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

541. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality when it is expected that the bail laws will be amended in line with modern requirements; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20841/15]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice and Equality

The drafting of the General Scheme of a Bail Bill to modernise the law on bail is at a very advanced stage in my Department. I intend to bring proposals to Government on the matter in the near future.

The Deputy will be aware that a decision to grant bail in a particular case is a matter for the court, which is, subject only to the Constitution and the law, independent in the exercise of its judicial functions. There is a constitutional presumption in favour of bail because, in the eyes of the law, a person is innocent until proven guilty. The provisions of the European Convention on Human Rights also restrict the extent to which the right to bail can be limited.

Prior to the Sixteenth Amendment of the Constitution, bail could be refused essentially only on the grounds that the accused person would be likely to abscond or interfere with witnesses or evidence. Section 2 of the Bail Act 1997, which gave effect to the Sixteenth Amendment of the Constitution, permits the courts to refuse bail to a person charged with a serious offence where refusal of bail is reasonably considered necessary to prevent the commission of a serious offence by that person. A “serious offence” is an offence listed in the Schedule to the Bail Act that is punishable by at least five years imprisonment.

While the primary aim of the proposed Bail Bill is to consolidate and update bail law, I wish to take the opportunity in this legislation to seek, as far as is possible, within the constraints of the Constitution and the jurisprudence of the European Court of Human Rights, to focus the legislation on the protection of the individual and of the public. The intention is that the new proposals will provide better guidance to the courts on how such protection might be provided. The new Bill will seek to improve the operation of the bail system and make the law as effective as possible in protecting the public against the commission of offences by persons on bail.

Crime Investigation

Ceisteanna (542)

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

542. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the degree to which cold cases continue to be monitored, with particular reference to persons who have disappeared; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20842/15]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice and Equality

As the Deputy will be aware, the deployment of Garda resources is a matter for the Garda Commissioner in the light of identified operational demands. I am assured by the Garda authorities that all incidents where a person has been reported missing remain open and under investigation until such time as the person is located.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that the function of the Serious Crime Review Team (SCRT) is to assist Senior Investigating Officers assigned to particular cases in bringing investigations to a successful conclusion by identifying further investigative opportunities and ensuring that investigations conform to approved best practice guidelines. At the conclusion of each review a substantive report is provided to the Senior Investigating Officer who considers the opportunities for further investigation for dissemination back into the investigative and operational units. Any recommendation of organisational effect is disseminated within the Garda organisation to improve the overall investigative capability of An Garda Síochána.

I am also advised that the SCRT continues to review serious cases that remain unsolved and continues to identify evidence and witnesses to assist in the development of these cases.

Firearms Licences

Ceisteanna (543)

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

543. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the extent to which she proposes to take on board submissions made by sporting, shooting and gun clubs, with particular reference to the need to ensure that while best practice in terms of storage and operation is applied, due regard is also given to the valid concerns of such sporting bodies; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20843/15]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice and Equality

In light of public safety concerns highlighted by An Garda Síochána, a joint Department of Justice and Equality/An Garda Síochána Working Group was established by the Department of Justice and Equality to review firearms licensing. The report of this Working Group was published on 13 November 2014 and submissions on the report were sought from stakeholders and the public by 31 January 2015. The consultation process gave individuals and groups an opportunity to contribute to the development of firearms policy and legislation and will enable consideration to be given to the future direction of such legislation.

The Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality also sought submissions and held hearings with interested parties in relation to the Working Party report and published an interim report on the matter.

As part of the process of consultation I gave a commitment that I would not make any decisions until I had met the key stakeholders, including the organisations who represent those who use firearms for sporting purposes. I had a useful meeting with the key stakeholders on 29 April 2015 and consideration of the issues involved, including the concerns of those who use firearms for sporting purposes, is continuing.

Prisoner Rehabilitation Programmes

Ceisteanna (544)

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

544. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the extent to which all first-time offenders, in respect of all offences, are provided access to educational and rehabilitative training from the outset, thus limiting the extent to which first-time offenders are exposed to the influence of more hardened criminals and members of criminal gangs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20844/15]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice and Equality

I am advised by the Irish Prison Service that the guiding principle which underpins education and work and training services in prisons is to make available, work, work-training, education and other purposeful activities to all those in custody. Training and education activities are chosen to give as much variety as possible and also to give opportunities for those in prison to acquire practical skills which will help them secure employment on release and also to help prisoners cope with their sentences. A priority for the Irish Prison Service is ensuring help for those with reading and writing problems and peer mentoring programmes are currently active in all of our prisons.

The Irish Prison Service has also been expanding the number of accredited courses and opportunities available to prisoners in Work Training in recent years. Enhanced partnership arrangements with accrediting bodies such as City and Guilds, the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA), and the Guild of Launders and Cleaners and the centralising of coordination and quality assurance arrangements have enabled us to extend the number of available courses and activities with certification.

On committal, all prisoners are interviewed by a Governor and are informed of the services available in the prison. At this point prisoners may be referred to services or they can self refer at a later date. Where Governors consider, on the information available, that a prisoner needs a particular intervention they will initiate a referral.

The development of prisoner programmes forms a central part of the Irish Prison Service Three Year Strategic Plan 2012 - 2015. There is a clear commitment in the Strategy to enhance sentence planning through Integrated Sentence Management and the delivery of prison based rehabilitative programmes.

Placements in prison are made having considered the safety of prisoners and the maintenance of good order and security in the prison. Irrespective as to whether a prisoner is a first time offender, a gang affiliated prisoner or part of the general prisoner population, prison management assess the needs of prisoners and refer them to the appropriate services. The manner in which records are collated does not allow the Irish Prison Service to differentiate between first-time offenders and gang affiliations.

Education in prisons is delivered in partnership between the Education Training Boards and the Irish Prison Service with a focus on providing education which is quality assured, student centred and which facilitates lifelong learning. The partnership endeavours to meet the needs of students through helping them cope with their sentence, achieve personal development and prepare for life after release. A broad and flexible curriculum is provided which ranges from basic literacy classes and peer led tutoring to Open University. There is an increasing focus on FETAC accreditation as the modular structure best meets the needs of students in prison.

Prisoner Rehabilitation Programmes

Ceisteanna (545)

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

545. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of prisoners in rehabilitative training at any one time in each prison; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20845/15]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice and Equality

The Deputy will be aware from my replies to previous Parliamentary Questions that the Irish Prison Service provides a wide range of rehabilitative programmes that include education, vocational training, healthcare, psychiatric, psychological, counselling, welfare and spiritual services. These programmes are available in all prisons and all prisoners are eligible to use the services. On committal, all prisoners are interviewed by the Governor and are informed of the services available in the prison. At this point prisoners may be referred to services or they can self refer at a later date. Where Governors consider, on the information available, that a prisoner needs a particular intervention they will initiate a referral.

The Irish Prison Service has also been expanding the number of accredited vocational courses and opportunities available to prisoners in Work Training in recent years. Enhanced partnership arrangements with accrediting bodies such as City and Guilds, the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA), and the Guild of Launders and Cleaners and the centralising of coordination and quality assurance arrangements have enabled the Irish Prison Service to extend the number of available courses and activities with certification.

The development of prisoner programmes forms a central part of the Irish Prison Service Three Year Strategic Plan 2012 - 2015. There is a clear commitment in the Strategy to enhance sentence planning including Integrated Sentence Management and the delivery of prison based rehabilitative programmes such as education, work training and resettlement programmes.

The table shows the most recent figures available (March 2015) of the average prisoner participation in education and vocational training. It should be noted that a prisoner may participate in more than one activity.

Institution	Education - Average Prisoner Participation in March 2015	Vocational Training - Average Prisoner Participation in March 2015	Average number in custody on March 2015
Arbour Hill	97	98	140
Castlerea	139	119	321
Cloverhill	68	34	344
Cork	145	90	217
Dóchas	64	29	115
Limerick	122	45	239
Loughan House	103	81	122
Midlands	368	149	814
Mountjoy	128	87	548
Portlaoise	112	38	221
Shelton Abbey	61	59	105
St Patrick's Institution	99	24	10
Training Unit	39	60	92
Wheatfield	139	137	485
Total Average Participation	1,684	1,050	3,773

Legal Aid Service

Ceisteanna (546)

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

546. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the extent to which, if known, the legal aid system continues to be most beneficial to hardened criminals and members of criminal gangs; the extent to which statistics are available which might indicate specific trends in this area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20846/15]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice and Equality

Under the Criminal Justice (Legal Aid) Act 1962, the courts, through the judiciary, are responsible for the granting of legal aid. An applicant for legal aid must establish to the satisfaction of the court that their means are insufficient to enable them to pay for legal representation themselves. The court must also be satisfied that by reason of the "gravity of the charge" or "exceptional circumstances", it is essential in the interests of justice that the applicant should have legal aid. I have no function in these matters which are determined by the judiciary. Statistics of the type sought by the Deputy are not compiled by the Court Service.

Prisoner Rehabilitation Programmes

Ceisteanna (547)

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

547. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the extent to which evidence exists that criminal gangs and criminal gang leaders have better access to rehabilitative training than first-time offenders or other prisoners; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20847/15]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice and Equality

On committal, all prisoners are interviewed by the Governor and are informed of the services available in the prison. At this point prisoners may be referred to services or they can self refer at a later date. Where Governors consider, on the information available, that a prisoner needs a particular intervention they will initiate a referral. Rehabilitative programmes are available in all prisons and all prisoners are eligible to use such services.

I am advised by the Irish Prison Service that no evidence exists that criminal gangs and criminal gang leaders have better access to rehabilitative training than first time offenders or other prisoners. However, the manner in which records are collated by the IPS regarding engagement with education and/or work and training services for prisoners does not allow for differentiation between first time offenders, gang affiliated prisoners and others.

Prisoner Rehabilitation Programmes

Ceisteanna (548)

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

548. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the degree to which prisoners who have completed their sentence are assessed prior to their release to determine their likelihood of re-offending or becoming a threat to the public; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20848/15]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice and Equality

I am advised that the Irish Prison Service and the Probation Service have a multi-agency approach to offender management and rehabilitation from pre- to post-imprisonment in order to reduce re-offending and improve prisoner outcomes.

Where the Courts have ordered the post-release supervision of offenders on completion of sentence, or in the case of life-sentenced prisoners released on reviewable conditional release by the Irish Prison Service, prison-based Probation Officers complete appropriate risk assessments to inform future case management. This case management is undertaken by Probation Officers in the community for the duration of the specified community sanction.

Newly committed prisoners with a sentence of greater than one year are eligible to take part in Integrated Sentence Management (ISM). This involves a specific orientation in the delivery of all rehabilitative prison-based services to prisoners and an emphasis on prisoners taking greater personal responsibility for their own development through active engagement with both specialist and non-specialist services while in prison. The end result is a prisoner-centred, multi-disciplinary approach to working with prisoners with provision for initial assessment, goal setting and periodic review to measure progress.

The guiding principle which underpins education and work and training services in prisons is to make available, work, work-training, education and other purposeful activities to all those in custody. Training and education activities endeavour to meet the needs of prisoners through helping them cope with their sentence, achieve personal development and prepare for life after release.

A primary function of the Psychology Service in prisons is to assist offenders address factors that place them at risk of re-offending including inter alia; anger issues, substance abuse, sexual and violent offending. The service delivers the Building Better Lives programme for sex offenders in Arbour Hill and a similar programme for violent offenders in Wheatfield Place of Detention. The Irish Prison Service continue to ensure that all appropriate efforts are made to work with sex offenders to ensure the risk of re-offending after release is reduced to the greatest extent possible and that they are supported in reintegrating into the community. A Joint Irish Prison Service/Probation Service working group has been established to review sex offenders' risk and offence related issues.

Local review meetings are held in prisons on a monthly basis where prisoners' sentence progression are discussed. These meetings facilitate the exchange of information and aid decision making with respect to the management of prisoners' sentences. They are chaired by the Governor with the attendance of senior prison management, Probation staff, Chaplains, Teachers, other prison staff and an official from the Prisons Service Headquarters. Part of the discussions cover the risk of re-offending on release and the risk of failing to comply with temporary release conditions are discussed, generally in the case of prisoners being assessed for early release.

I can advise the Deputy that a new pre-release planning policy for the Irish Prison Service is at an advanced stage and will represent considerable improvements to current pre-release planning and practices in Irish prisons. This policy will address issues arising for the individual in custody under six key pillars: Housing/Accommodation Needs, Financial Supports, Healthcare, Public Safety and Statutory Requirements, Families and Personal Relationships, Education, Training and Employment.

A new central information window on the electronic Prisoner Information Management System (PIMS) is under development to support this policy. This new window will record a range of information with regard to post-release concerns and sentence plans for individual prisoners. It is the aim of the Irish Prison Service that all releases from Irish prisons and places of detention are planned releases to ensure the informed and effective transition of the offender from prison to the community, in compliance with statutory, legal and sentencing provisions.

Criminal Law

Ceisteanna (549, 550)

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

549. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the action that can be taken to address the issue of threats and intimidation against individual members of An Garda Síochána; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20849/15]

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

550. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if she is aware of threats and abuse directed at members of An Garda Síochána, on and off duty; the extent to which this represents a challenge to the authorities; the most appropriate action in response to same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20850/15]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice and Equality

I propose to take Questions Nos. 549 and 550 together.

I am aware of concerns expressed recently in relation to threats made against members of the Garda Síochána. The issue of threats against Gardaí going about their duty is not confined to these incidents of course, and is something which I utterly condemn.

As the Deputy is aware, it would not be appropriate for me to detail the operational measures that the Garda authorities have taken in recent instances or would take generally in the these situations. However, I can assure the Deputy that whatever protective and detection measures are deemed appropriate by the Garda authorities will certainly be taken. I should also say that while the criminal law in this area is being kept under ongoing review, there is a range of robust legislative provisions available to the Garda authorities in circumstances where threats or assaults are made against Gardaí.

Refugee Resettlement Programme

Ceisteanna (551)

Clare Daly

Ceist:

551. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if she will provide a breakdown of the number of persons provided with resettlement as part of the Irish resettlement process for each year from 2009 to 2014 and in 2015 to date; and if the proposed 272 persons Ireland will accept under the mandatory European resettlement programme will have their status determined before arrival or will be required to apply for protection upon arrival here. [20851/15]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice and Equality

On 13 May 2015, the European Commission, published an EU Agenda for Migration. The Agenda includes a number of proposals which will be considered by Justice and Home Affairs Ministers in June and subsequently by the European Council.

Among the measures proposed is the establishment of an EU-wide resettlement scheme to offer 20,000 resettlement places. The Commission proposes that the scheme will cover all Member States, with the numbers suggested for each Member State calculated according to distribution criteria such as GDP, size of population, unemployment rate and past numbers of asylum seekers and of resettled refugees. It also takes account of the efforts already made on a voluntary basis by Member States.

The Commission's calculation envisages Ireland accepting 272 persons for resettlement between now and the end of 2016. While plans were already in place for the resettlement of 220 persons in 2015/16, I, having consulted with colleagues, have announced the Government's intention to accept an additional 300 persons over and above that figure. A total of 520 refugees will therefore be admitted in 2015/2016.

All persons admitted to Ireland for resettlement are granted programme refugee status on arrival.

The total number of persons resettled in Ireland during the period of 2009-2015 is 471. A breakdown of the numbers admitted is provided below and is also available on www.integration.ie.

2009	2010	2011	2012	2013	2014	2015 to date
192	20	35	39	76	96	13

Tribunals of Inquiry Reports

Ceisteanna (552)

Róisín Shortall

Ceist:

552. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Justice and Equality further to Parliamentary Question No. 385 of 12 May 2015 regarding the recommendations of the Moriarty tribunal, if she will provide details of the other recommendations which are the subject of consultations with the Attorney General and other Departments; when these matters were referred to the Attorney General; and the expected timeframe for implementing these recommendations. [20856/15]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice and Equality

As the Deputy will be aware, the report of the Moriarty Tribunal made a number of recommendations which related to the responsibilities of different Government Departments. While there is ongoing contact between my Department and the Office of the Attorney General in relation to the Tribunals Bill and to related legal issues and judicial developments, other Departments have responsibility for taking forward recommendations in relation to other aspects of the report of the Moriarty Tribunal.

In this regard I understand that there have been relevant developments with respect to the field of financial regulation, company law, and electoral law.

The Tribunals Bill is under review in my Department. Detailed consideration has had to be given to the full suites of recommendations made by the Moriarty Tribunal in its Report of March 2011 and by the Mahon Report in March 2012, to the relevant judgments delivered by the Supreme Court in July 2011 and October 2012, and to the developing experience regarding the operation of Commissions of Investigation. The review will be completed as soon as possible, but is dependent on other legislative priorities. Accordingly, the likely timeframe cannot be indicated with any certainty at this point.

I can also advise the Deputy that following the examination by An Garda Síochána of the report of Moriarty Tribunal, the advice of the Director of Public Prosecution was sought with a view to determining whether or not a full Garda investigation should be commenced. This advice is awaited.

Legislative Process

Ceisteanna (553)

Róisín Shortall

Ceist:

553. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the reason for the delay in the passage of the Tribunals of Inquiry Bill 2005 through the Houses of the Oireachtas; and if she will provide a clear timeframe for the completion of this process. [20863/15]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice and Equality

The Tribunals of Inquiry Bill is awaiting Report Stage in the Dáil. Before progressing to this Stage, detailed consideration has to be given to a number of issues relating to developments in the law relevant to tribunals.

I am not currently in a position to provide a clear timeframe to the Deputy for progressing the Bill: much depends on other competing legislative priorities, of which the Deputy is aware.

Departmental Staff Data

Ceisteanna (554, 555, 556)

Mary Mitchell O'Connor

Ceist:

554. Deputy Mary Mitchell O'Connor asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of public and civil servants who were recruited under the aegis of her Department in 2014; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21112/15]

Mary Mitchell O'Connor

Ceist:

555. Deputy Mary Mitchell O'Connor asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of public and civil servants under the aegis of her Department who were seconded abroad or to another Department in 2014; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21129/15]

Mary Mitchell O'Connor

Ceist:

556. Deputy Mary Mitchell O'Connor asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of public servants under the aegis of her Department who retired in 2014; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21148/15]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice and Equality

I propose to take Questions Nos. 554 to 556, inclusive, together.

In 2014 there was a moratorium on recruitment and promotion in place in the civil and public service. Consequently, recruitment across the justice sector remained subject to specific sanction from the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform. Recruitment by way of sanctioned exception to the moratorium was therefore restricted to specific or priority posts. In that context the following recruitment took place during 2014:

Department/Section	Numbers Recruited
Department (Including Irish Prison Service & Probation Service)	64
Courts Service	50
National Disability Authority	1
Legal Aid Board	25
An Garda Síochána	204

It should be noted that a number of the posts filled related to posts vacated by retiring staff members or staff who otherwise left their posts including by way of transfers or promotions. Furthermore, 76 of the posts shown above relate to temporary clerical officers employed on short term contracts. These are, by definition, short term contracts designed principally to meet seasonal peaks and facilitate staff who avail of the Shorter Working Year Scheme.

In addition to the above a number of staff joined the Department on transfer or through redeployment from other areas of the Civil and Public Service.

The Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission is an independent statutory body, established under the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission Act, 2014 with effect from 1 November 2014. In order to facilitate the establishment of the Commission from that date, recruitment to a number of posts by the then Equality Authority and the Irish Human Rights Commission was undertaken and the table below reflects recruitment in 2014 prior to the establishment date of 1 November 2014.

Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission

5

The numbers of civil and public servants from my Department or Agencies under the aegis of my Department who were seconded out or abroad during 2014 is set out in the table.

Department/Section	Numbers Seconded
Department (Including Irish Prison Service & Probation Service)	72
Property Registration Authority	2
Courts Service	15
Legal Aid Board	3
An Garda Síochána	55

The following public servants under the aegis of my Department retired during the year 2014:

Department/Section	Number of Retirees
Legal Aid Board	1
An Garda Síochána	249

The information in relation to civil service retirements is being provided on a centralised basis by my colleague the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform.

The Justice Sector continues to have a total staff strength of 22,000 approximately and notwithstanding the continuation of the moratorium on recruitment and promotion in 2014, I was delighted to have recently secured sanctions to recruit significant numbers to An Garda Síochána and to specific areas or roles such as the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner, the Charities Regulatory Authority and also to the Border Management Unit of my Department to facilitate operating frontline immigration controls at Dublin Airport by civilians. I will continue to prioritise frontline service delivery.