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Gnáthamharc

Thursday, 27 Oct 2016

Written Answers Nos. 41-60

Bovine Disease Controls

Ceisteanna (41)

Clare Daly

Ceist:

41. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on the effectiveness of the badger culling strategy incorporated into the national TB eradication programme in reducing the incidence of bovine TB; his further views on plans by his Department to initiate a badger vaccination programme as an alternative to culling; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32196/16]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

There is very considerable scientific evidence of a link between badgers and cattle in the context of the spread of bovine TB.  Research conducted over the years by my Department and others has demonstrated that the eradication of bovine TB disease is not a practicable proposition until the issue of the reservoir of infection in badgers, which is seeding infection into the cattle population, is addressed. It is therefore necessary to eradicate TB in both species. In view of this, the comprehensive TB Eradication Programme as implemented by my Department has incorporated a badger removal and population control policy since 2004.  

The badger control policy is cost effective and has contributed very significantly to a substantial reduction in the incidence of TB both in cattle and in badgers in recent years: herd incidence in the bovine population has fallen by almost 40% from 5.9% in 2008 to 3.37% in 2015. In addition, the cost of the TB eradication programme has fallen from €57.2m to €30.7m in the same period. This improvement is attributable to a comprehensive range of measures, not least of which is the badger removal programme. It should be noted that the incidence of bovine TB in Northern Ireland, where badger culling is not practised, is approximately twice as high as in this jurisdiction.  

The ultimate objective of my Department is to incorporate badger vaccination into the Irish TB eradication programme and the current badger policy, including monitoring and research work, will make vaccination more effective in the future.  However, the vaccination strategy can only be deployed when data are available to ensure that this can be done in an effective and sustainable manner.  In view of this, various projects, involving vaccine development and oral-delivery techniques are under way (including a collaboration with the United Kingdom), with a view to developing a viable badger TB vaccination strategy.

Afforestation Programme

Ceisteanna (42)

Richard Boyd Barrett

Ceist:

42. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to ensure the forestry sector realises its full potential in assisting the drive on climate change mitigation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32122/16]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

In October 2014, the EU agreed on a clear commitment: all sectors, including land use, land use-change and forestry (LULUCF), should contribute to the EU's target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 40% by 2030 compared to 2005  levels. More recently the EU Commission published its  ESR (Effort Sharing Regulation  and LULUCF which set out a binding commitment for each Member State and how the land use sector can be accounted. These proposals include the accounting rules which determine compliance.

The LULUCF  proposal (Article 4) requires each MS to ensure that accounted CO2 emissions from specified land use categories are entirely compensated by an equivalent removal of CO2 from the atmosphere through removals in other categories.  This requirement  is referred to as the "no debit rule".  For example, if a Member State cuts down its forests and does not replant (deforestation), it must compensate the resulting emissions by removals in other land uses in the Irish case this is mainly in afforested lands or by net uptake in managed forest land, managed cropland or grasslands. In this way the "no-debit" commitment incentivises Member States to take actions that increase the absorption of CO2 in agricultural soils and forests.

Under the proposed ESR there is flexibility for Member States to use net removals from afforested and deforested land, cropland and grassland to meet emissions reduction targets.  In Ireland's case the proposal caps this contribution at 2.7 million tonnes/annum.

Within this context the Department's afforestation scheme  plays an important role in climate change mitigation. The Forestry Programme 2014–2020 sets out annual planting targets for the 6-year period where the aim is to establish 43,410 hectares of new forest by 2020. In terms of total forest cover the target is 18% by 2050.

Coillte also has a significant role to play in helping Ireland achieve its emission targets. The company will continue its programme of reforestation following harvest, thereby contributing to carbon sequestration over the longer term. It will also work with my Department in implementing a viable afforestation model.  Coillte continues to play a key leadership role in delivering renewable energy solutions to industry by providing long term, secure biomass fuel supply contracts to large energy users thorough regional biomass supply hubs. The company's biomass sales business thereby contributes to decarbonising the Irish economy by providing a sustainable and natural substitute for fossil fuels.  The company is also active in other renewable areas which will contribute to renewable energy targets with the company's land solutions business on track to deliver electricity to over 300,000 homes by 2017.   

Medite SmartPly, Coillte's panels manufacturing business, as one of the largest users of power in the country, has an important responsibility to reduce its reliance on traditional energy sources. Wood-based panels as used in the built environment and elsewhere are an important carbon store in their own right.   

Coillte advise that it will take a leadership position in shaping policy around the role that forests and forest products will play in climate change mitigation and will be at the forefront of global and European developments. An example of the company assuming a leadership role in this area was its hosting of the Climate Change and Irish Forestry Conference in  Dublin earlier this year, on 29 February, 2016. The conference brought together representatives to address the risks and opportunities that climate change and its mitigation presents to the Irish forest sector.

Crime Levels

Ceisteanna (43)

Louise O'Reilly

Ceist:

43. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if her attention has been drawn to an increase in the number of cars being broken into in the Lusk and Rush area; if the increase in crime in this area will inform the decision to include Rush Garda station as part of the pilot scheme announced in the programme for Government; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32392/16]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Deputy will appreciate that the investigation of crimes is a matter for by An Garda Síochána and I, as Minister, have no direct role in relation to the conduct of particular Garda investigations. However, I will of course bring the Deputy's concerns to the attention of the Garda authorities.

As the Deputy will be aware, under the Programme for Government the Government is committed to asking the Policing Authority to oversee a review of, amongst other things, both the boundaries of Garda districts and the dispersement of Garda stations in rural areas. In addition, the Government is committed to launching a pilot scheme to reopen 6 Garda stations, both urban and rural, to determine possible positive impacts that such openings will have on criminal activity, with special emphasis on burglaries, theft and public order.

In relation to the proposed pilot scheme, I have requested the Garda Commissioner, while fully cognisant of her statutory functions in relation to the distribution of Garda resources in the State, to identify for reopening 6 stations that were closed under the Garda Síochána District and Station Rationalisation Programme. I have also asked the Authority to initiate the proposed review.

The Deputy will also appreciate that the response to crime and policing services generally will be enhanced by the major investments in Garda vehicles, equipment and technology which the Government has put in place and which are supporting a number of carefully considered policing strategies such as Operation Thor, which is targeting those involved in burglary and property crime countrywide. Underpinning these strong anti-crime actions and continuing community policing measures, is the Government's commitment to continue the ongoing accelerated Garda recruitment programme with a view to increasing Garda numbers to 15,000, which will benefit policing and community safety in all areas, including those referred to.

Garda Deployment

Ceisteanna (44)

Louise O'Reilly

Ceist:

44. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of additional gardaí to be assigned to Fingal as part of the increase announced in the budget, by station, grade and work pattern and indicating whether they serve on a full-time or part-time basis, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32393/16]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As the Deputy will appreciate, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the distribution of resources among the various Garda Divisions and Districts, and I, as Minister, I have no direct role in the matter. I am assured by the Garda Commissioner that the allocation of resources is continually monitored and reviewed taking into account all relevant factors including crime trends, demographics, and security assessments relating to the area in question so as to ensure optimal use is made of Garda human resources.

The area referred to by the Deputy is covered by both the Dublin Metropolitan Region (DMR) West Division and DMR North Division. I am informed by the Garda Commissioner that on 30 September 2016, the latest date for which figures are readily available, the current Garda strength in those Divisions was 671 and 675, respectively. When appropriate, the work of local Gardaí is also supported by a number of Garda national units such as the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation (NBCI), the Garda National Economic Crime Bureau (formerly the Garda Bureau of Fraud Investigation), and the National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau.

This Government is committed to ensuring a strong and visible police presence throughout the country in order to maintain and strengthen community engagement, provide reassurance to citizens and deter crime. In furtherance of this I recently announced that the Government has approved my proposal for an overall Garda workforce of 21,000 personnel by 2021 comprising 15,000 Garda members, 2,000 Reserve members and 4,000 civilians. In 2017, funding has been provided for the recruitment of 800 Garda recruits and up to 500 civilians to support the wide ranging reform plan in train in An Garda Síochána. Appointments will also be made to the Garda Reserve of approximately 300.

Taking account of projected retirements, reaching a strength of 15,000 will require some 3,200 new Garda members to be recruited on a phased basis over the next four years in addition to the 1,200 that will have been recruited by the end of this year since the reopening of the Garda College in September 2014. So far 534 recruits have attested as members of An Garda Síochána of which 50 have been assigned to the DMR West and 41 have been assigned to the DMR North. Another 150 will attest later this year and will be assigned to mainstream uniform duties nationwide.

In order to continue to ensure seamless ongoing recruitment I was very pleased to announce the commencement of a new recruitment campaign on 8 September. The campaign is being organised by the Public Appointments Service on behalf of the Commissioner. The existing recruitment campaign (launched last November) is ongoing and successful candidates will continue to be called from that campaign this year and into next year. It is expected that successful candidates from the new campaign will enter the Garda College from mid-2017.

This accelerated recruitment of trainee Garda is complemented by substantial investment in resources across the board for An Garda Síochána. The Deputy will be aware of the significant resources that have been made available to An Garda Síochána under the Government's Capital Plan 2016-2021. In particular, some €205 million in additional funding for Garda ICT and €46 million for new Garda vehicles has been allocated over the lifetime of the plan. This investment will facilitate the provision of more effective policing services and I expect that the Garda Divisions within the Fingal area, like all other Garda Divisions will benefit from these new resources becoming available.

Private Security Industry Regulation

Ceisteanna (45, 46)

Clare Daly

Ceist:

45. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality her views on the increased use of private security firms during eviction proceedings in the State; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32395/16]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Clare Daly

Ceist:

46. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if a private security company involved in an eviction (details supplied) in County Clare was licensed in accordance with the law; if the company complied with legal procedures during this eviction; if the company presented an execution order to the owner of the property; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32396/16]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 45 and 46 together.

The matter to which the Deputy refers relates to the execution of a repossession order. As the Deputy is aware, I have no role in relation to executing court orders. The courts are, subject only to the Constitution and the law, independent in the exercise of their judicial functions. It is therefore not open to me to comment or intervene in any way on the conduct or decision of a particular court case which is a matter entirely for the presiding judge.

The County Registrar, acting as Sheriff, is responsible to the Court for the Enforcement of the Court Orders and the law and procedures governing the execution of Court Orders is contained in the Enforcement of Court Orders Acts, 1926 to 1940 and the Rules of Court made thereunder and I have no function in this matter. Any dispute in relation to the enforcement of a Court Order is a matter for the Courts.

The Deputy may also be aware that the Private Security Authority (PSA), established under the Private Security Services Act 2004, as amended, is the regulatory body with responsibility for regulating and licensing the private security industry in the State. The Authority is an independent body under the aegis of my Department and the legislation identifies the following security services as licensable by the PSA: Door Supervisor, Installer of Security Equipment, Locksmith, Private Investigator, Provider of Protected Forms of Transport, Security Consultant, Security Guard and Supplier or Installer of Safes. The execution of repossession orders is not a matter which falls within the remit of the Authority.

Alcohol Sales Legislation

Ceisteanna (47)

Brendan Howlin

Ceist:

47. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality her plans to allow alcohol to be sold on Good Friday; if the sale of alcohol Bill contains measures regarding Good Friday licensing laws; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32404/16]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I had intended that the statutory provisions relating to the sale of alcohol on Good Friday, which have historical origins, would be examined in the context of the forthcoming Sale of Alcohol Bill which will update the law relating to the sale, supply and consumption of alcohol in licensed premises by repealing the Licensing Acts 1833 to 2011, and the Registration of Clubs Acts 1904 to 2008, and replacing them with streamlined and updated provisions. However, drafting of that complex Bill has been delayed due to other priorities and I am not in a position to say at present when it will be published.

Garda Stations

Ceisteanna (48)

Clare Daly

Ceist:

48. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if the six Garda stations to be reopened under the pilot scheme to reopen Garda stations have yet been identified; and if Rush Garda station is to be included in the scheme. [32411/16]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As the Deputy will be aware, the Programme for a Partnership Government recognises that community policing is the embodiment of An Garda Síochána, providing a means of recognising that every community, both urban and rural, has its own concerns and expectations. It commits the Government to ensuring visible, effective and responsive policing in every community, including the most minimal response times possible.

Under the Programme, the Government is committed to asking the Policing Authority to oversee a review of, amongst other things, both the boundaries of Garda districts and the dispersement of Garda stations in rural areas. In addition, the Government is committed to launching a pilot scheme to reopen 6 Garda stations, both urban and rural, to determine possible positive impacts that such openings will have on criminal activity, with special emphasis on burglaries, theft and public order.

In relation to the proposed pilot scheme, I have requested the Garda Commissioner, while fully cognisant of her statutory functions in relation to the distribution of Garda resources in the State, to identify for reopening 6 stations that were closed under the Garda Síochána District and Station Rationalisation Programme. I have also asked the Authority to initiate the proposed review.

Court Procedures

Ceisteanna (49)

Thomas P. Broughan

Ceist:

49. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if her Department examined any process for future legislation whereby the courts would have an appellate function in relation to decisions of the Director of Public Prosecutions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32417/16]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Director of Public Prosecutions is independent in the performance of her functions and does not come within the remit of my Department. My Department has not examined any process whereby the courts would have an appellate function in relation to the decisions of the Director of Public Prosecutions and there is no provision in the Government's Legislative Programme for any amendment of the Prosecution of Offences Act 1974.

However, the EU Directive on the rights, support and protection of victims of crime includes a requirement for victims to be informed of a decision not to prosecute, the reasons for the decision and to have the right to seek a review of that decision. The Directive will be transposed by the Criminal Justice (Victims of Crime) Bill which is currently being drafted as a matter of priority.

Legal Services Regulation

Ceisteanna (50)

Jack Chambers

Ceist:

50. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality when she will present the report on the establishment, regulation, monitoring, operation and impact of multidisciplinary practices in the State, as per the Legal Services Regulation Act 2015; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32429/16]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Legal Services Regulatory Authority, which was established earlier this month under S.I. No. 507 of 2016, will be making the reports referred to by the Deputy on the regulation, monitoring, operation and impact of multi-disciplinary practices in the State. The timing and submission procedures for these reports are clearly defined under section 119 of the Legal Services Regulation Act 2015 which will be commenced shortly to facilitate the work which the new Authority is required to do, and to which I would refer the Deputy.

Under section 119(1) of the Legal Services Regulation Act 2015, the Authority shall, not later than six months following its establishment day, make an initial report to the Minister for Justice and Equality which will provide information in relation to MDPs in other jurisdictions and on the likely consequences and impacts of the operation of MDPs in Ireland as set out in section 119(2). The Regulatory Authority will then, under section 119(3) engage in a public consultation process on the matters covered by its initial report and make a final report. The final report will have regard to the information contained in the initial report and any submissions received under the public consultation process and will also set out the recommendations of the Authority in relation to the establishment, regulation, monitoring and operation of multi-disciplinary practices in the State. This final report has to be made by the Authority to the Minister not later than six months after the making of the initial report.

Under section 119(5) of the 2015 Act the Minister shall cause copies of the initial report and the final report to be laid before each House of the Oireachtas within 30 days of its receipt - this procedure will be followed when the reports are duly made. The Legal Services Regulatory Authority held its inaugural meeting yesterday which represents a historic watershed in the independent regulation of the legal professions. I am, therefore, confident that the reports on multi-disciplinary practices to which the Deputy has referred will be addressed by the Authority, within the statutory time-frames laid out, as a key component of its initial programme of work.

Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission Investigations

Ceisteanna (51)

Jim O'Callaghan

Ceist:

51. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the status of the inquiry she requested GSOC to conduct into events surrounding evidence given to the O'Higgins commission and any attempt to undermine the credibility and motivation of a particular person's testimony; if any legal impediments have arisen that are preventing GSOC conducting its inquiry; if so, the details of same; the action that will need to be taken to overcome such impediments; and if it is intended to take such action. [32450/16]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As the Deputy is aware, on 16 June 2016 I made a referral to the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission under section 102(5) of the Garda Síochána Act 2005 concerning certain allegations which arose following the publication of the final report of the O'Higgins Commission of Investigation.

Obviously I have to be careful not to say anything which might interfere with the investigation currently underway by GSOC. However, I can confirm to the Deputy that the Chairperson of GSOC wrote to me seeking access to certain records of the O'Higgins Commission of Investigation. In view of the provisions of the Commissions of Investigation Act 2004 concerning confidentiality of evidence given before a Commission of Investigation, I sought the advice of the Attorney General on the matter. Having received the Attorney General's advice I wrote to the Chairperson of GSOC pointing out that access to the records in question can be sought through an application to court for an order directing that the material be provided. It is now a matter for GSOC how to proceed.

While the granting of any such order is a matter for the Courts, I will, of course, comply with any such court order.

So, while there are legal steps to be gone through in order to seek access to the records in questions they are not necessarily legal impediments. Those steps are necessary, as the Deputy will be aware, to protect the integrity of the proceedings of Commissions of Investigation, in particular where evidence is given in private.

Therefore, it seems to me that the best approach at present is to allow the current procedures to continue. If they prove deficient then the issue can be looked at to see how they might be addressed.

Refugee Resettlement Programme

Ceisteanna (52)

Clare Daly

Ceist:

52. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of persons granted permission to join their families here under the Syrian humanitarian admission programme; and the number who ultimately came here. [32453/16]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I am informed by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service of my Department that a total of 84 applications were received under the Syrian Humanitarian Admission Programme (SHAP) in respect of 307 family members. Of these applications, 44 were approved in respect of 119 beneficiaries. Detailed guidelines were set down for the Programme including, for example, the key condition that the persons availing of the it should not become a burden on the State. If the family members could not find employment the onus was on the sponsor to support them during their time in Ireland.

Where permission is granted for the family member to enter and reside in the State, the arrival thereafter of the family is a matter for the sponsor and/or the beneficiary to organise. To date 79 passports have been endorsed with the appropriate residence permission under the Programme (SHAP Stamp).

Prison Visiting Regulations

Ceisteanna (53)

Mick Wallace

Ceist:

53. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if there have been any changes to visiting hours in Irish Prison Service prisons in 2016; if so, the details of these changes; her plans to change visiting hours in any of the IPS prisons; the details of these planned changes; her plans to provide evening visits; if there have been changes to the visiting schedule in any of the IPS prisons; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32458/16]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Deputy will be aware that I published a new 3-Year Strategic Plan for the Irish Prison Service in June this year. The Strategy is being implemented by developing and progressing four key actions namely - Staff Support; Prisoner Support; Victim Support; and Enhancing Organisational Capacity.

The Irish Prison Service is making some changes to the visiting timetable across a number of prisons to facilitate the implementation of a number of initiatives that are included in the new Strategic Plan. This includes a new enhanced approach to staff learning and development, increased access to services for prisoners and increased use of video-link for court appearances.

To facilitate these new initiatives a new prison visiting timetable is being introduced across certain closed prisons this month (October). As a result visits will no longer be held in the mornings, Monday to Friday, in Castlerea Prison, Cork Prison, and Limerick Prison. This is now in place in these locations.

Visiting arrangements in the Mountjoy, West Dublin and Portlaoise Campuses will continue as normal with the exception of Tuesday when there will be no visits on that day. This arrangement has already been in place in these location for some time. There will be no change to the current arrangements in Loughan House and Shelton Abbey.

While the timing of visits in Castlerea Prison, Cork Prison, and Limerick Prison will change I can assure the Deputy that there will be no reduction in the number of visits available to prisoners. Prisoners will still be able to avail of all the visits that are appropriate to their incentivised regimes privilege level. The Irish Prison Service has examined the demand for visits and is satisfied that there is sufficient capacity to meet the Monday to Friday demands without the necessity to introduce evening visits; however, should the need arise, I am advised that the Irish Prison Service will consider this on a site by site basis.

Immigration Status

Ceisteanna (54)

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

54. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the position regarding advancing the case of persons (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32464/16]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that the persons concerned have been granted permission to remain in the State for the period to 14th December, 2016. The decision was conveyed in writing to the persons concerned by letter dated 14th December, 2015. This permission was granted to enable the persons concerned obtain a valid passport or alternatively submit evidence as to what effort they have made to secure a passport. To date no such correspondence has been received. The persons concerned are required to apply in writing for the renewal of this permission in advance of its expiry date and must submit their passports with any such renewal application.

The Deputy may wish to note that 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 Status

Ceisteanna (55)

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

55. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the position in the case of a person (details supplied) regarding residency; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32465/16]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that in accordance with Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999, the person concerned was notified, by letter dated 13th October, 2016, that the Minister proposed to make a Deportation Order in respect of them. They were given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of leaving the State voluntarily, of consenting to the making of a Deportation Order or of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why they should not have a Deportation Order made against them.

The position in the State of the person concerned will now be decided by reference to the provisions of 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. All representations submitted will be considered before a final decision is made.

The Deputy may wish to note that 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.

Family Reunification Policy

Ceisteanna (56)

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

56. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if a person (details supplied) is eligible to be a dependant of their daughter, who has stamp 4 status; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32466/16]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that the person in question was registered in the State on 29 November 2016 as a student and currently has permission to be here on Stamp 2 student condition until 21 January 2018 to allow her the opportunity to find a work permit based employment.

Under the Family Reunification Policy, the details of which are outlined on our website www.inis.gov.ie, the sponsor should familiarise themselves with the qualifying criteria. One of the conditions to be met is that the sponsor will be required to have earned in Ireland, each of the 3 years preceding the application, an income after tax and deductions of not less than €60k in the case of one parent. Also, given the age of the person mentioned, they would not qualify as an Elderly Dependent parent under this policy, as she is in the State in her own right as a student.

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 (57)

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

57. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the current residency status, or procedure to be followed to update or progress and regularise residency, in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32467/16]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I am informed by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that the person concerned made an application for a residence card, under the provisions of the European Communities (Free Movement of Persons) Regulations 2015 on 29 March, 2016.

I understand that INIS has now written to the legal representatives of the person concerned seeking additional information and documentation it considers necessary to process this application. INIS will consider the application further in light of an expected response to the matters raised and will be better placed, upon receipt of same, to indicate when a decision may issue in this case.

The Deputy will be aware 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.

Naturalisation Eligibility

Ceisteanna (58)

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

58. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the residency status and eligibility for naturalisation in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32468/16]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that there is no record of an application for a certificate of naturalisation from the person referred to by the Deputy, who currently has permission to reside in the State until 2 October 2018.

It is open to any individual to lodge an application for citizenship if and when they are in a position to meet the statutory requirements as prescribed in the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956 as amended. Detailed information on Irish citizenship and naturalisation is available on the INIS website at www.inis.gov.ie. The website also contains an on-line naturalisation residency calculator which individuals may find of assistance in establishing if the residency requirements are met.

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.

Naturalisation Eligibility

Ceisteanna (59)

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

59. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if a person (details supplied), who has been in this jurisdiction for more than five years, now qualifies for extended residency or eligibility for naturalisation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32470/16]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that there is no record of a person registered, or of an application for a certificate of naturalisation, under the details as provided by the Deputy. A determination on whether an applicant satisfies the appropriate criteria attendant to extended residency or a naturalisation can only be made after an application is received.

It is open to any individual to lodge an application for citizenship if and when they are in a position to meet the statutory requirements as prescribed in the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956, as amended. Detailed information on Irish citizenship and naturalisation is available on the INIS website at www.inis.gov.ie. The website also contains an on-line naturalisation residency calculator which individuals may find of assistance in establishing if the residency requirements are met.

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 (60)

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

60. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if and when an update of stamp 4 will issue in the case of a person (details supplied) while awaiting naturalisation process; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32472/16]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I am informed by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that correspondence was received on 14 October, 2016 indicating that the person concerned wishes to apply for a change of residency status in the State. The person referred to by Deputy is now seeking permission to reside and work in the State based on their parentage of an Irish citizen child. On the 25 October 2016, the relevant officials of the INIS communicated with the person concerned to advise them of the application process.

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.

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