Niall Collins
Ceist:344. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the status of an application for a visa by a person (details supplied). [7173/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraVisa Applications
Ceisteanna (344)
Freagraí scríofa
I am advised by officials in the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that a 'join family' visa application from the person referred to by the Deputy was submitted to the INIS Visa Office in Dublin on 18 January, 2016.
I am further advised that a business target of 6 months for long term 'join family' applications, where the spouse is an Irish national, was established following the publication of the ‘Policy Document on Non-EEA Family Reunification’. The Visa Office endeavours to have applications of this nature processed earlier than this. Where all the required supporting documentation has been received and no queries remain outstanding, a decision can be expected by mid-summer 2016. However, this is not always possible. As the Deputy will appreciate in order to be fair to all applicants, applications are processed in order by date received in this Office.
The Deputy may wish to note that queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to the INIS by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Questions process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in cases where the response from the INIS is, in the Deputy’s view, inadequate or too long awaited.
In addition, applicants may themselves e-mail queries directly to INIS (visamail@justice.ie).
Garda Data
Ceisteanna (345)
Bernard Durkan
Ceist:345. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of members of An Garda Síochána who are seeking transfers to other locations for whatever reason, the extent to which such requests can be granted or are normally granted; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7175/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Deputy will appreciate, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the distribution of resources, including personnel, among the various Garda Divisions and Districts and I, as Minister, have no direct role in the matter. Garda management keeps this distribution of resources under continual review.
I have requested the detailed information sought by the Deputy in relation to the number of members of An Garda Síochána seeking transfers to other locations from the Garda Commissioner and as soon as it is to hand I will pass it on to the Deputy.
I am informed by the Garda Commissioner that it is Garda policy that all transfer applications are kept under review. Transfers of Garda personnel are determined by a number of factors including population, crime trends and as the policing needs of each individual Division dictate. Having regard to these criteria, it is not possible to indicate when or if a transfer application will be acceded to.
Deportation Orders
Ceisteanna (346)
Bernard Durkan
Ceist:346. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the extent to which a person (details supplied) in County Meath has complied fully with the request for further information dated 3 March 2016, notwithstanding a recent parliamentary question thereto; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7176/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I am informed by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that the person referred to is the subject of a Deportation Order made on 8 November 2011 and therefore has no entitlement to residency in the State.
Representations were received from the person concerned pursuant to Section 3 (11) of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended), to revoke the Deportation Order. The Deputy might wish to note that any such decision will be to 'affirm' or to 'revoke' the existing Deportation Order. In the meantime, the Deportation Order remains valid and in place.
Information has been received from the person concerned and is currently being processed.
Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to the INIS of my Department by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Questions process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in cases where the response from the INIS is, in the Deputy’s view, inadequate or too long awaited.
Naturalisation Certificates
Ceisteanna (347)
Bernard Durkan
Ceist:347. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the extent of outstanding information required of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 15 who has been awarded naturalisation, but for whom the process has not yet concluded; if further information is outstanding and if this will impede the process; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7177/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that further consideration of the application for a certificate of naturalisation from the person referred to by the Deputy is well advanced and the application will be submitted to me for final decision as expeditiously as possible. No further information is required from the person concerned at this time.
The granting of Irish citizenship through naturalisation is a privilege and an honour which confers certain rights and entitlements not only within the State but also at European Union level and I know the Deputy will appreciate that it is important that appropriate procedures are in place to preserve the integrity of the process.
The Deputy may wish to note that queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to INIS by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Questions process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in cases where the response from INIS is, in the Deputy’s view, inadequate or too long awaited.
Immigration Status
Ceisteanna (348)
Bernard Durkan
Ceist:348. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the status of a determination and if she will entertain an appeals process for a person (details supplied in County Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7178/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
If the person whose details were supplied has made an application for asylum or subsidiary protection in the State, the Deputy will be aware that it is not the practice to comment on such applications until they have fully completed the protection process. This is in accordance with Section 19(1) of the Refugee Act, 1996 (as amended) which provides for the protection of the identity of protection applicants. Protection legislation also provides for the right of appeal at both the asylum and subsidiary protection stages of the process.
Immigration Status
Ceisteanna (349)
Bernard Durkan
Ceist:349. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the status of the determination of residency status for a person (details supplied) in County Louth; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7179/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that if the persons concerned have made applications for asylum or subsidiary protection in the State, the Deputy will be aware that it is not the practice to comment on such applications until they have fully completed the protection process. This is in accordance with Section 19(1) of the Refugee Act, 1996 (as amended) which provides for the protection of the identity of protection applicants.
Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to the INIS of my Department by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Questions process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in cases where the response from the INIS is, in the Deputy’s view, inadequate or too long awaited.
Residency Permits
Ceisteanna (350)
Bernard Durkan
Ceist:350. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the status of the residency status application of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7181/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that the person concerned is a failed asylum applicant. Arising from the refusal of their asylum application, and in accordance with the provisions of Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended), the person concerned has submitted written representations.
These representations, together with all other information and documentation on file, will be fully considered, under Section 3 (6) of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended) and Section 5 of the Refugee Act 1996 (as amended) on the prohibition of refoulement, in advance of final decisions being made.
Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to the INIS of my Department by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Questions process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in cases where the response from the INIS is, in the Deputy’s view, inadequate or too long awaited.
Immigration Policy
Ceisteanna (351)
Bernard Durkan
Ceist:351. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the procedure to be followed to regularise the residency status of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; if she will update the person's stamp 4 card; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7185/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that the person concerned currently holds an immigration permission which expires on 21 July, 2016. It is open to the person concerned to contact their local Garda registration office for a further renewal period, two weeks in advance of this date.
Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to the INIS by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up-to-date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Questions process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in cases where the response from the INIS is, in the Deputy's view, inadequate or too long awaited.
Crime Prevention
Ceisteanna (352)
Bernard Durkan
Ceist:352. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the extra measures she has or will take to combat the activities of criminal gangs and membership thereof; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7212/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I can assure the Deputy that tackling organised crime activity is a key ongoing priority for both the Government and An Garda Síochána.
An Garda Síochána's Policing Plan sets out the priorities of An Garda Síochána in this regard including its continued commitment to proactively target groups and individuals engaged in criminal activity, including organised criminal activities.
In tackling such activity, An Garda Síochána continues to develop and implement operations and strategies aimed at targeting, dismantling and disrupting criminal networks, utilising advanced analytical and intelligence methodologies. Multi-disciplinary approaches are also utilised to ensure the activities of individuals and groups involved in criminal enterprise are effectively targeted, including through the use of the proceeds of crimes legislation, money-laundering legislation, and the powers of the Criminal Assets Bureau.
While we should not underestimate the difficulties which the Garda authorities face in tackling organised crime activity, we continue to see the significant results of their efforts in the arrests made and persons being brought before the Courts, as well as the ongoing drugs and firearms seizures made.
In support of these efforts, the Government is committed to ensuring that An Garda Síochána has the resources to deliver highly-mobile and responsive Garda patrols in both rural and urban communities. Since 2012, almost €34 million has been invested in renewing the Garda fleet to support front line Garda responses. Over 640 new vehicles are coming on stream since the start of 2015 including new specialised vehicles. This investment will provide the Gardaí with additional high powered vehicles, marked and unmarked patrol cars, cars for surveillance and covert operations, motor cycles for high visibility road policing and vehicles for public order policing. This investment in a modern, effective and fit-for-purpose Garda fleet will continue under the Government’s Capital Plan 2016 - 2021 which provides an additional €46 million for new Garda vehicles over the life time of the Plan. The Government is also investing in airborne surveillance and enhanced technology and ICT systems. The increased budget allocation for 2016 will also facilitate additional funding for Garda surveillance, special operations and targeted, intelligence-led policing.
Garda Strength
Ceisteanna (353)
Bernard Durkan
Ceist:353. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of members of An Garda Síochána in all divisions and districts in each of the past ten years to date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7213/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Deputy will appreciate, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the distribution of resources, including personnel, among the various Garda Divisions and Districts, and I as Minister have no direct role in the matter. Garda management keep this distribution of resources under continual review in the context of crime trends and policing priorities so as to ensure that the optimum use is made of these resources.
The information sought by the Deputy is currently being collated and will be sent to the Deputy directly on completion.
Departmental Funding
Ceisteanna (354)
Jim Daly
Ceist:354. Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the grants available to voluntary organisations for acquiring new equipment in her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7244/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My Department does not provide grants specifically for the acquisition of new equipment. However, the cost of new equipment can be included as appropriate, and on a case-by-case basis, in grants in the areas of gender equality and migrant integration. Where EU funding is concerned, regard must be had to the relevant rules.
Child Care Services Funding
Ceisteanna (355)
Michael Ring
Ceist:355. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs to approve community child care subvention for persons (details supplied) in County Mayo. [6394/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
To improve the access for parents to the Community Childcare Subvention (CCS) programme, I announced in Budget 2016 my decision to provide the opportunity for private childcare providers to participate in the programme for the first time. A number of private childcare providers are now contracting with my Department and will be participating in the Community Childcare Subvention (Private) (CCSP) programme.
A parent seeking support should make contact with a childcare service that has contracted with this Department to provide childcare places under the new CCSP measure. The parent should provide the necessary documentation to the childcare provider to support their eligibility for subvention support. It is important to point out to the Deputy that there is limited funding available this year to support this measure and therefore the support provided to parents will be on a 'first come first served' basis.
The local County Childcare Committees (CCCs) will advise parents of the early years services in their area that are providing support under the CCSP programme.
Inter-Country Adoptions
Ceisteanna (356)
Andrew Doyle
Ceist:356. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the status of applicants who registered with Arc Adoption Agency for the purposes of inter-country adoption and who are now pursuing the refund of their registration fee since the liquidation of the agency in 2015; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6592/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As is Deputy is aware Arc Adoption ceased operating in November 2015. Arc Adoption called a creditors meeting on the 9th February 2016 for the purposes of voluntarily winding up the company and appointing a Liquidator. If former clients are owed money from Arc Adoption they should contact the appointed liquidator.
I am aware that there is an issue regarding the repayment to clients of refundable registration fees they are owed by Arc Adoption. I am advised that my Department has no legal responsibility for repayment of these fees. Arc Adoption is a company limited by guarantee, not having a share capital and operates on a “not-for-profit basis”.These fees were paid as part of an agreement between Arc Adoption and its clients and my Department was not party to this agreement. However I gave a commitment to examine the issue. This is a complex matter which I am currently considering.
Children First Guidelines
Ceisteanna (357)
Louise O'Reilly
Ceist:357. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the status of the implementation of the Children First guidelines. [6645/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Children First Act 2015 has recently been signed into law. The introduction of this legislation is in line with a key Programme for Government commitment, and it represents an important addition to the child welfare and protection system as it will help to ensure that child protection concerns are brought to the attention of the Child and Family Agency without delay.
The Act provides for mandatory reporting by key professionals; comprehensive risk assessment and planning for a strong organisational culture of ‘safe’ places for all services provided to children; a register of non-compliance; and the statutory underpinning of the existing Children First Interdepartmental Implementation Group which promotes and oversees cross-sectoral implementation and compliance with Children First. Commencement is by way of Ministerial regulation and to date, sections 1-5 and section 28 have been commenced. The intention is that Part IV (sections 20 to 26) in relation to the Children First Inter-Departmental Implementation Group, will be commenced in the near future.
The legislation will operate side-by-side with the existing non-statutory obligations provided for in Children First: National Guidance for the Protection and Welfare of Children 2011. The Guidance is currently being revised and updated to take account of the new legislative obligations so as to provide in one place a comprehensive reference resource for individuals and organisations. This will provide clarity and ensure consistency between the legislation and the existing non-statutory obligations which will continue to operate administratively for all sections of society. Children First implementation will continue to be supported through the Children First Inter-Departmental Implementation Group which includes representatives of all Government Departments, the Child and Family Agency and An Garda Síochána.
In the meantime, the existing Children First: National Guidance for the Protection and Welfare of Children 2011 remains in operation.