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Thursday, 29 Sep 2016

Written Answers Nos. 55-66

Direct Provision Data

Ceisteanna (56)

Róisín Shortall

Ceist:

56. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the location of each direct provision centre in tabular form; the name of the companies managing the centres; the amount paid by the Reception and Integration Agency, RIA, to each company in 2016; the number of persons currently housed in the centres, whether or not the centres are State-owned; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27895/16]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The information requested by the Deputy in relation to details of centre location, contractor and occupancy is set out in the table.

RIA Direct Provision Accommodation at end August 2016

COUNTY

CENTRE

ADDRESS

CURRENT OCCUPANCY

CONTRACTOR

STATE/PRIVATE OWNED

Clare

Knockalisheen

Meelick

193

Campbell Catering Ltd t/a Aramark Ireland

State Owned

Cork

Ashbourne Hse

Glounthaune

63

Barlow Properties

Private Owned

Kinsale Road

Cork City

194

Campbell Catering Ltd t/a Aramark Ireland

State Owned

Glenvera

Wellington Road

100

Bideau Ltd

Private Owned

Millstreet

Millstreet

208

Millstreet Equestrian Services

Private Owned

Clonakilty Lodge

Clonakilty, Co. Cork

71

D and A Ltd

Private Owned

Dublin

The Towers

The Ninth Lock, Clondalkin, D.22

202

Fazyard Ltd

Private Owned

Georgian Court

77-79 Lower Gardiner St. Dublin 1

63

Old George Ltd

Private Owned

Staircase

21 Aungier Street, Dublin 2

20

Mo Bhaile Ltd

Private Owned

Hatch Hall

28 Lower Hatch Street, Dublin 2

128

East Coast Catering (Ireland)

Private Owned

Balseskin

St. Margarets, Finglas, Dublin 11

198

East Coast Catering (Ireland)

Private Owned

Watergate House

11-14 Usher's Quay, Dublin 8

47

Maison Builders Ltd

Private Owned

Galway

Eglinton

The Proms, Salthill

168

Maplestar Ltd

Private Owned

Great Western House

Eyre Square

139

Shaun Hennelly

Private Owned

Kerry

Atlas House (Killarney)

Killarney

60

OFM Limited

State Owned

Atlas House (Tralee)

Tralee

92

OFM Limited

State Owned

Johnston Marina

Tralee

53

OFM Limited

State Owned

Park Lodge

Killarney

40

OFM Limited

State Owned

Kildare

Eyrepowell

Newbridge

58

Peachport Ltd

Private Owned

Laois

Montague

Emo, Portlaoise

187

Fazyard Ltd

Private Owned

Limerick

Hanratty's

Glentworth Street, Limerick

94

Birch Rentals Ltd

Private Owned

Westbourne

Dock Road

80

Westbourne Holiday Hostel Ltd

Private Owned

Mount Trenchard

Foynes, Co. Limerick

63

Baycaster Ltd

Private Owned

Longford

Richmond Court

Richmond Street, Longford

65

Mint Horizon Ltd

Private Owned

Louth

Carroll Village

Dundalk

52

East Coast Catering (Ireland)

Private Owned

Mayo

The Old Convent

Ballyhaunis

144

Bridgestock

Private Owned

Meath

Mosney

Mosney

580

Mosney PLC

Private Owned

Monaghan

St. Patricks

Monaghan

147

Tattonward Ltd

Private Owned

Sligo

Globe House

Chapel Hill

162

Bridgestock

Private Owned

Tipp. South

Bridgewater House

Carrick-On-Suir

37

Millstreet Equestrian Services

Private Owned

Waterford

Atlantic House

Tramore, Co. Waterford

63

Atlantic Blue Ltd

Private Owned

Ocean View

Tramore, Co. Waterford

62

Ocean View Accommodation Ltd

Private Owned

Birchwood

Ballytruckle Road

87

Stompool Investments Ltd

Private Owned

Viking House

Coffee House Lane

68

Millstreet Equestrian Services

Private Owned

Westmeath

Athlone

Athlone

215

Campbell Catering Ltd t/a Aramark Ireland

State Owned

Information on the amount paid by RIA to each company contracted to provide direct provision accommodation is only available up to and including 2013. This information can be found on the RIA website www.ria.gov.ie under the 'Contract Values 2000 - 2013 inclusive (January 2016)' section of the website. Also available on the website is the RIA policy on the release of Financial Information on contract values which sets out the reasons why this information is only available up to 2013 at this point in time.

Independent Review Mechanism

Ceisteanna (57)

John McGuinness

Ceist:

57. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if she will confirm a date for the commencement of the promised statutory inquiry relative to a person (details supplied); if contact has been made with the person to agree the terms of reference of the inquiry; the action taken since the announcement to establish the inquiry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27901/16]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The matter to which the Deputy refers was considered by the Independent Review Mechanism (IRM) set up by the Government to review complaints of Garda misconduct which had been made to the Taoiseach and myself. Counsel on the panel of the IRM recommended that an inquiry be set up to consider this complaint.

I accepted counsel's recommendation and decided to establish an inquiry under section 42 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005. Officials in my Department are continuing to consult with the Office of the Attorney General with regard to matters concerning the establishment of this and a number of other section 42 inquiries. These matters include the setting of appropriate terms of reference for each inquiry and naming the person who will carry it out. I hope to have the terms of reference settled with the Attorney General shortly. I should point out that section 42 (3A) of the Garda Síochána Act 2005, as amended, requires me to consult with the Policing Authority with regard to these terms of reference.

I will be in contact with the relevant person as soon as the terms of reference have been settled.

Departmental Agencies Board Appointments

Ceisteanna (58)

Clare Daly

Ceist:

58. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the date her Department requested the Bar Council to appoint nominees to the Legal Services Regulatory Authority; and the date they were given to have the names of the nominees submitted. [27953/16]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The formal letters seeking nominations for membership of the new Legal Services Regulatory Authority were issued by my Department to the Bar Council and to the nine other nominating bodies prescribed under the Legal Services Regulation Act 2015 on 14 January 2016. Under these letters nominations were sought on or before Thursday 28 January 2016. A reply was received at my Department from the Director of the Bar Council on 29th January 2016 which conveyed the names of the Council’s primary and secondary nominees for membership of the new Legal Services Regulatory Authority.

Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission Investigations

Ceisteanna (59)

Clare Daly

Ceist:

59. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the date on which she referred the matter of the conflict between the evidence given to the O'Higgins inquiry by two senior Garda and a person (details supplied) regarding a meeting that took place between them in Mullingar to GSOC; the expected timeframe of the investigation; and if the report will be published. [27955/16]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Garda Commissioner wrote to me on 19 May 2016 asking that I use the legal powers available to me to request the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission (GSOC) to investigate matters alleged to have occurred in relation to a meeting in Mullingar involving certain Garda officers.

On 16 June 2016, having consulted with the Attorney General and having sought additional information from the Garda Commissioner, I requested GSOC in accordance with section 102 (5) of the Garda Síochána Act 2005, to investigate the matter.

It is, of course, a matter for GSOC, which is independent, to carry out that investigation and, accordingly, I am not in a position to indicate a time frame. I will examine GSOC's report when it is to hand and decide how best to proceed in relation to it.

Departmental Investigations

Ceisteanna (60)

Micheál Martin

Ceist:

60. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality her views on the recent reports of allegations of sex abuse in Waterford being known well before arrests were made; if her Department will examine the complaints; if she will discuss the complaints with the Garda Commissioner; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27956/16]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I can advise the Deputy that I have very recently received correspondence expressing concerns in relation to the case referred to by him and have, in the first instance, sought the views of the Garda Commissioner on the issues raised, following receipt of which I will be in a position to consider this matter further.

Naturalisation Eligibility

Ceisteanna (61)

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

61. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the current position in relation to the determination of eligibility for naturalisation in the case of a person (details supplied); if all documentation has been received in her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27979/16]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that the processing of the application for a certificate of naturalisation from the person referred to by the Deputy is ongoing and will be submitted to me for decision as expeditiously as possible. No further information is required from the person at this time.

As the Deputy will appreciate, 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 it is important that appropriate procedures are in place to preserve the integrity of the process.

It is recognised that all applicants for citizenship would wish to have a decision on their application without delay. While most cases are now generally processed within six months, the nature of the naturalisation process is such that, for a broad range of reasons, some cases will take longer than others to process. In some instances, completing the necessary checks can take a considerable period of time.

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 established specifically 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.

Residency Permits

Ceisteanna (62)

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

62. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the most appropriate procedure to be followed to regularise residency in this country in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27980/16]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I am informed by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that this person should be informed to make an application in writing to the Residence Division in INIS in reference to their immigration status in the State.

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 long awaited.

Naturalisation Eligibility

Ceisteanna (63)

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

63. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the current position in regard to determination of eligibility for naturalisation in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27981/16]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that the processing of the application for a certificate of naturalisation from the person referred to by the Deputy is ongoing and will be submitted to me for decision as expeditiously as possible.

As the Deputy will appreciate, 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 it is important that appropriate procedures are in place to preserve the integrity of the process.

It is recognised that all applicants for citizenship would wish to have a decision on their application without delay. While most cases are now generally processed within six months, the nature of the naturalisation process is such that, for a broad range of reasons, some cases will take longer than others to process. In some instances, completing the necessary checks can take a considerable period of time.

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 established specifically 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.

Deportation Orders Re-examination

Ceisteanna (64)

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

64. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if she will revoke the proposed deportation order in the name of persons (details supplied) having particular regard to the medical evidence available; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27990/16]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that the persons concerned are a husband and wife who are the subjects of deportation orders made on 11th March, 2005.

Both persons were deported from the State some years ago; however, according to information received from their legal representatives, they returned to this State the year after they were deported.

Representations were received from the persons concerned pursuant to the provisions of Section 3 (11) of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended), to have the deportation orders revoked. The Deputy might wish to note that the decision to ensue from any such consideration will be to 'affirm' or to 'revoke' the existing deportation orders. In the meantime, the deportation orders remain valid and in place and, as such, the persons concerned are legally obliged to comply with any reporting requirements placed on them by the Garda National Immigration Bureau.

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.

Garda Investigations

Ceisteanna (65)

Jim O'Callaghan

Ceist:

65. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if she has received from An Garda Síochána a report written by a senior Garda official which outlines significant developments relating to the treatment of a person (details supplied); her views on whether the contents of the report might affect public confidence in the force; and if she will publish the report. [28012/16]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I assume that the Deputy is referring to media reports claiming that a senior Garda Official had written a report for my attention on matters relating to a Garda whistleblower.

In the first instance, I must point out that the preparation of reports under section 41 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005 is a matter for the Garda Commissioner and, accordingly, the question of my receiving such a report from anyone other than the Garda Commissioner or Acting Garda Commissioner does not arise.

However, it is the case that towards the end of August the then Acting Garda Commissioner, under section 41 of the Act, sent to the Department a copy of a note prepared by the Garda Síochána Executive Director Human Resources and People Development.

Taking into account legal issues, the right of confidentiality which must be afforded to persons named within, and, as there is ongoing correspondence between the Department and the Garda authorities about this matter (including receipt in a recent days of a related further report) it is not possible to put any further information into the public domain at present.

Legal Aid Applications

Ceisteanna (66)

Peter Burke

Ceist:

66. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if she will expedite an application for free legal aid for a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28019/16]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Deputy will be aware that the Legal Aid Board provides civil legal aid and advice pursuant to the Civil Legal Aid Act 1995 and Regulations made thereunder. The Act provides that the Board is independent of the Minister in the performance of its functions.

The Deputy will appreciate as a result that I am not in a position to make a decision on whether civil legal aid is granted in relation to any particular case. The Deputy will also appreciate that for client confidentiality and data protection reasons the Board is unable to disclose information in relation to any individual client.

I am conscious that there are significant demands on the Board and that this gives rise to waiting times for certain services at most of the Board’s law centres. However, waiting times have been markedly reduced over the past couple of years due to measures introduced by the Board and the Deputy will be glad to know that the Board’s budget was increased by €1.6m in 2016 in addition to €750,000 ring-fenced to assist persons at risk of losing their home on account of mortgage arrears.

I know that the Board is extremely conscious of the fact that delays in service can lead to further difficulties not just for the client but also for children, the wider family and even the community as well as the courts system. In this regard, the Board continues to provide a priority service in respect of a number of areas such as domestic violence, child abduction and child care issues.

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