Written Answers Nos. 180-199
180. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if there are plans to rehome refugees in counties Cavan and Monaghan; if so, the status of these plans; the locations and areas which have been identified; the number of refugees this involves; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1466/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is aware, the Irish Refugee Protection Programme (IRPP) was approved by Government Decision on 10 September 2015 in response to the migration crisis which has developed in Southern Europe, and as an act of solidarity with other Member States Under this decision, the Government confirmed that Ireland will take in up to 4,000 persons over the next two years in order to give effect to the EU legal instruments it has opted into, with approval of the Oireachtas, in respect of relocation and the solemn commitments Ireland has also entered into in respect of resettlement of refugees.
Among the measures agreed under the Programme was the establishment of a Network of Emergency Reception and Orientation Centres (EROCs) which would be used to provide initial accommodation in order to meet the basic needs of asylum seekers relocated from hot spots in Italy and Greece while their applications for refugee status are processed.
In addition, the Government has committed under the Programme to take in additional resettlement refugees who must also be temporally accommodated in EROCs for the purposes of reception, orientation and integration training, prior to being resettled in communities across Ireland. In this specific regard two EROCs were opened in the past year, one in Co. Kildare and one in Co. Waterford.
Those coming in as relocated asylum seekers via Greece/Italy are managed by the Programme Office of the IRPP. Those destined for the new Emergency Reception and Orientation Centre (EROC) in Ballaghaderreen, Co. Roscommon will be asylum seekers coming via the Greece/Italy route. As this cohort are expected to receive a grant of international protection within a period of 8-12 weeks, their stay in EROCs is intended to be short-term after which they will be housed elsewhere in Ireland.
In terms of the resettlement in local communities of refugees temporarily accommodated in EROCs, the Deputy will be aware that the Government have established a Taskforce to oversee the implementation of the Irish Refugee Protection Programme. Senior Officials from Government departments and key agencies, including the City and County Managers Association, sit on the Taskforce. A sub-committee of the Taskforce, established be me to oversee the implementation of the Irish Refugee Protection Programme and composed of senior officials from Government Departments including the City and County Managers Association, are working on a distribution key to inform the distribution of refugees admitted under the programmes across the country. To-date, refugees have been resettled in Cork, Kerry, Limerick, Clare, Galway and Mayo. Over the next 18 months, refugees will be resettled in other counties around the country until the full cohort of refugees have arrived in Ireland and have been resettled into the community. Therefore at some point over that period it is highly likely that County Cavan and County Monaghan will be asked to house a proportion of the refugees admitted to Ireland. As is the case with counties that have already accepted refugees, appropriate structures and funding mechanisms will be put in place prior to this happening.
181. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of applications for naturalisation that have been applied for on behalf of persons under 18 years of age each year from 2005 to 2016 inclusive; and the number of these applications that were by persons born here. [1484/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra182. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of certificates of naturalisation that were granted to persons under 18 years of age each year from 2005 to 2016 inclusive; and the number of these certificates that were issued to persons born here. [1485/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra183. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the total number of certificates of naturalisation that were issued in the years 2011 to 2016 inclusive. [1486/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 181 to 183, inclusive, together.
I am informed by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that the retrieval and compilation of the information requested by the Deputy for the period 2005 to 2009 would necessitate a disproportionate use of time and resources which could not be justified in circumstances where the priority is to deal with the cases on hand. Information can, however, be provided for the years 2010 to 2016 inclusive and is shown below.
The number of applications for naturalisation received on behalf of persons under 18 years of age for the years 2010-2016 inclusive, and the number of these that were on behalf of persons born in the State, is as follows:
|
Year |
2010 |
2011 |
2012 |
2013 |
2014 |
2015 |
2016 |
Total |
|
Applications on behalf of minors |
1,654 |
3,108 |
5,776 |
6,261 |
4,140 |
2,455 |
2,224 |
25,618 |
|
Applications on behalf of minors born in the State |
98 |
746 |
1,423 |
1,882 |
1,328 |
799 |
684 |
6,960 |
The number of certificates of naturalisation granted to persons under 18 years of age for the years 2010-2016 inclusive, and the number of these which were granted to persons born in the State, is as follows:
|
Year |
2010 |
2011 |
2012 |
2013 |
2014 |
2015 |
2016 |
Total |
|
Certificates granted to minors |
1,335 |
903 |
5,167 |
6,325 |
6,100 |
2,568 |
2,065 |
24,463 |
|
Certificates granted to minors born in the State |
9 |
15 |
966 |
1,939 |
1,956 |
867 |
667 |
6,419 |
The total number of certificates of naturalisation issued in the years 2011 to 2016 inclusive was 104,891.
184. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the measures she is taking to prevent any terrorist threats to Ireland, especially around seaports, airports and popular events; the resources being made available to these protection measures; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1490/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI would emphasise for the Deputy that the main security threat in the State is from the so-called 'dissident' republican paramilitary groups who continue to be a priority counter-terrorism focus for An Garda Síochána. The Garda authorities will continue to target those involved and to work closely with their counterparts in Northern Ireland in combatting these groups. The Gardaí and the PSNI deserve praise for their ongoing work in this regard.
As an open and democratic society in the European Union, Ireland cannot consider itself immune from the current international terrorist threat. The assessment of the threat is that while an attack on Ireland is possible, it is not considered likely. Nor is there at present any specific information that an attack on Ireland is planned. The level of threat from this source is kept under constant review by An Garda Síochána, particularly in the light of ongoing developments and the current international situation.The Garda authorities will continue to take all necessary security measures proportionate to the level of terrorist threat and all the relevant agencies here co-operate closely in respect of any threats identified. The Deputy will understand, of course, that the detail of such security measures should not be disclosed publicly. An Garda Síochána has developed considerable operational capacities in countering terrorism and in responding to critical incidents. There is, in particular, a highly-trained and well-equipped special intervention capability in the Emergency Response Unit that is supported by the regional Armed Support Units and the range of other resources across the Garda organisation. In addition, the considerable skills and resources of the Defence Forces are also available in support where needed.
While there are a number of persons here whose activities in support of extremism give rise to concern they will continue to be monitored closely by the Garda authorities and all appropriate measures will be taken in this regard.
The Garda Authorities will continue to work closely with their EU and other international security and intelligence counterparts in responding to the shared threat of international terrorism. The gathering and sharing of relevant information is an important aspect of this international co-operation. The Government is committed to providing An Garda Síochána with the necessary resources to enhance their connectivity to a range of EU and other international resources and significant work is ongoing in this regard. This includes connecting to the Schengen Information System and, indeed, to other EU and Interpol information-sharing resources relevant to countering the terrorist threat. A series of measures is being rolled out to build on the current EU framework for information-sharing, combatting terrorism and controlling illegal firearms, and Ireland is fully engaged in pursuing these developments.
185. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if she will defer implementation of a deportation order in the case of a person (details supplied); the way in which the person can proceed to regularise their status; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1497/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraA deportation order was signed in respect of the person concerned on 2 September 2016. Judicial Review proceedings were issued on 21 November 2016 seeking to quash the deportation order and accordingly, as the matter is sub judice, I do not propose to comment further.
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.
186. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if she will consider introducing early legislation to permit multi-party action or class action procedures in courts here, in view of the many cases of mass harm which have occurred in recent decades, the longstanding recommendations of the Law Reform Commission in favour of class action litigation and the continuing failure of the legal system to offer a modern multi party action litigation process; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1525/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs reflected by the Deputy's Question, the issue of multi-party litigation was the subject of a Report and recommendations by the Law Reform Commission in 2005 (LRC 76-2005). The Report was not carried forward by the Government of the day. The implementation of the Report at this remove, and the introduction of any legislation to enable the type of collective legal action envisaged would require a detailed consideration of the merits and impacts in the public interest, including in terms of the sustainability of a collective action regime and its potential costs to the parties concerned and to the Exchequer. The areas of law involved include consumer protection, competition, the environment and the provision of financial and other services. Consideration would also have to be given to the relevant intervening developments that have taken place at the national, European Union and wider international levels. While not part of the current Legislation Programme, therefore, this remains a complex area of legislative reform that will require renewed and thorough consideration and, on that basis, I am happy to keep it in mind for discussion and possible action in the general context of any upcoming reforms in the civil justice area.
As the Deputy will be aware, the Courts are independent in their operation and in the management and conduct of cases which come before them and in the context of the Deputy's Question, Order 15, Rule 9 of the Rules of the Superior Courts provides as follows: "Where there are numerous persons having the same interest in one cause or matter, one or more of such persons may sue or be sued, or may be authorised by the Court to defend, in such cause or matter, on behalf, or for the benefit, of all persons so interested".
187. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the progress to date in determination of applications for family reunification in the case of persons (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1537/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that the visa application referred to was refused by the Visa Office in Abuja on 24 November, 2016. This decision was communicated to the applicant who was advised that an appeal could be submitted up to two months following the visa refusal. No appeal has been submitted as yet.
If an appeal is submitted, the applicant should bear in mind the original refusal reasons communicated to her and be in a position to address these.
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.
In addition, applicants may themselves e-mail queries directly to INIS (visamail@justice.ie).
188. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the progress to date in determination of application for leave to remain in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1543/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am informed by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that the person concerned applied for a right of residency, accompanied by a right to work, based on parentage of an Irish citizen child on 30 September, 2015. This office has been in contact with the applicant on numerous occasions seeking further information and clarification. The application will be processed on receipt of the required information.
The Deputy may wish 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 long awaited
189. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the Garda liaison that is available in situations of potential child abduction, involuntary parental separation from children and other issues; the State bodies that exist to deal with parental concerns relating to the legality of parental separation from children, particularly taking children abroad; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1547/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy will appreciate that other Government Departments and agencies, such as the Department of Children and Youth Affairs and Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, may have a responsibility in this area, depending on the circumstances of a given case.
Insofar as my own remit is concerned, the International Child Abduction Unit is the Central Authority within the Department of Justice and Equality that provides assistance to parents and guardians of children who have been removed from the jurisdiction without their consent. This unit is a transmitting and receiving agency for applications for the return of children to the jurisdiction under the 1980 Hague Convention on Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction and Council Regulation (EC) No 2201/2003 of 27 November 2003. Applications to establish and/or enforce court orders concerning access rights to children are also dealt with under the aforementioned international instruments. The International Child Abduction Unit can only provide assistance when children have been taken to EU Member States or to countries that are party to the 1980 Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction (1980 Convention). The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade provide assistance when children are removed to a country that is not party to the 1980 Hague Convention. Parents and guardians who have any concerns regarding the legality of parental separation should seek legal advice without delay.
I have also asked the Garda authorities for information on the relevant measures and procedures which Gardaí may employ in relation to such cases and I will contact the Deputy directly when I have received a full report on the matter.
The following deferred reply was received under Standing Order 42A:
I refer to Parliamentary Question No. 189 of 17 January, 2017 where you asked '....the Garda liaison that is available in situations of potential child abduction, involuntary parental separation from children and other issues; the State bodies that exist to deal with parental concerns in relation to the legality of parental separation from children, particularly taking children abroad'.
As you will recall, additional information was sought from An Garda Síochána and could not be obtained in the time available and I undertook to contact you again when a Garda report was to hand.
I am advised that the role of An Garda Síochána in child abduction cases is, where appropriate, to conduct a criminal investigation into the matter. You will appreciate that it is a matter for the investigating gardaí to decide on the appropriate steps to be taken in relation to the circumstances of each case. I am advised that Garda family liaison officers may be appointed where a Garda investigation is initiated.
However, I am further advised that, the majority of cases coming to the notice of An Garda Síochána concern cases in which the child has already been removed from the jurisdiction. In this regard, the International Child Abduction Unit, which is the Central Authority within my Department, liaises with other jurisdictions in seeking the return of the child. As I outlined in my original reply, the International Child Abduction Unit can only provide assistance when children have been taken to EU Member States or to countries that are party to the 1980 Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction (1980 Convention). The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade provide assistance when children are removed to a country that is not party to the 1980 Hague Convention.
I hope this information is of assistance.
190. Deputy Peter Fitzpatrick asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if she will increase the age limit from 35 to 40 years of age for Garda reserves to be eligible to apply for a Garda position; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1548/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Garda Reserve was established in accordance with the Garda Síochána Act 2005 to enhance the links between An Garda Síochána and local communities and consists of voluntary unpaid members, drawn from the community, to support the work of An Garda Síochána. The Reserve perform policing duties as determined by the Garda Commissioner, while accompanied by full time Gardaí. Their role is to provide local patrols and participate in crime prevention initiatives targeted at specific local problem areas. Reserve members are also involved in policing major incidents and events, and in providing other operational support to full time Gardaí. In recent years the Garda Commissioner has conferred further powers on reserve members under the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act 1994 and the Road Traffic Act 1961 and has also decided that they should carry out more duties including the serving of summonses, and the issuing of Fixed Charge Penalty Notices where offences are detected.
The age at which any candidate may apply to join An Garda Síochána as a full time member is set by Regulation 4 (a) of the Garda Síochána (Admissions and Appointments) Regulations 2013. It is set at not more than 35 years.
This upper age limit of 35 was set having regard to equality legislation and also took into account the following criteria:
(1) the cost of training and the need for recruits to serve for a sufficient period of time as full members of the service to recoup this cost,
(2) the operational requirements of the service in terms of having an age profile appropriate to the physical demands placed on members in the course of their duty.
This Regulation applies without discrimination and no concessions are available to any person. There are currently no plans to change this situation.
The 2013 Regulations provide that special recognition may be given to Reserve members in the context of the selection process as they have undergone training in many of the skills required to be an effective full-time member of An Garda Síochána and have gained experience in operational policing. The recruitment campaign for 2016 included for the first time a special stream for eligible members of the Reserve. This special stream was continued in the most recent campaign. To be eligible for the special Reserve stream a reserve member is required to have completed their probation, performed their role to a satisfactory standard, and served a minimum of 150 hours per year for two of the previous four years. The Reserve stream is essentially a fast-track stream in that it allows the eligible reserves to skip stage 1 (unsupervised on-line tests) of the competitive assessment process and move straight to stage 2 which consists of supervised assessment tests taken in an assessment centre. Those who meet the required standard are then called to a competency based interview. Successful candidates are fast tracked through the medical, fitness and vetting assessments undertaken by An Garda Síochána.
191. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if she will investigate an issue with regard to water quality at a direct provision reception centre (details supplied); and if she will ensure that this facility is inspected and the issue rectified as a matter of priority. [1570/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Reception & Integration Agency (RIA) is an operational section of my Department and is responsible for contracts for the provision of accommodation and related services to those seeking international protection. First of all I want to state categorically that the claim that the photographs supplied are of the water used for cooking and washing at the centre is not true. The accommodation centre in question obtains its water supply from the mains operated by Irish Water, who have confirmed that there are no current issues in respect of the water quality in the area.
RIA has investigated this matter, and I can inform you that the photographs show images of the effluent plant at the centre, which is operated under licence from Fingal County Council. It is monitored on a daily basis by the centre management and checked by Fingal County Council on a monthly basis. The images appear to have been taken in June 2016, when works were carried out on the plant.
192. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the progress to date in determination of an application for a residence card, under the provisions of the European Communities (Free Movement of Persons) Regulations 2015, in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1576/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am informed by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that the person concerned was refused an application for a residence card, under the provisions of the European Communities (Free Movement of Persons) Regulations 2015 on 2 July, 2016.
I am further informed that a request for a review of that decision was received on 8 July, 2016 and it is currently under consideration: a decision is expected to issue shortly.
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 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.
193. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if her Department has considered legislating to provide for greater regulation of receivers and receiverships; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1594/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe position is that the Companies Act 2014, which falls primarily within the area of responsibility of the Minister and Department for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation and which entered into force on 1 June 2015, has updated and codified company law in this jurisdiction. This Act continues to provide a range of possible remedies for debenture holders and lending institutions in the event of a borrower encountering financial difficulties. These include the appointment of a receiver, an examinership process, and liquidation in those cases in which the company is beyond rescue. The Act includes detailed provisions which regulate the appointment and the powers of receivers, examiners and liquidators respectively. However, while the 2014 Act contains provisions specifying qualifications in the case of examiners and liquidators, it does not specify any such standards for the appointment of a receiver.
As regards further regulation in relation to receivers, I am advised that the Company Law Review Group is the statutory body which advises the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation on the review and development of company law in this jurisdiction. It would be a matter for the Group to consider whether further amendment of company law in relation to receivers would be desirable or necessary.
The position regarding the appointment of a receiver is that such an appointment may be made under company law or land and conveyancing law (the Land and Conveyancing Law Reform Act 2009 in the case of mortgages created after 1 December 2009, and the Conveyancing Act 1881 for mortgages created prior to that date). Depending on the circumstances of the case, courts may also, on application from a secured creditor, exercise their discretionary powers to appoint a receiver. Apart from these sources, the instrument creating a charge or mortgage may also contain contractual terms in relation to appointment of a receiver and provide for additional powers which such a receiver may exercise on his or her appointment.
194. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the progress on the acquiring of a building for Bailieborough Garda station in County Cavan; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1602/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will appreciate, the Office of Public Works has primary responsibility for the provision and maintenance of Garda accommodation and, as Minister, I have no direct role in relation to these matters.
As I informed the Deputy in response to Parliamentary Question No. 129 of 29 November 2016, a site has been identified for the proposed new Garda Station and I understand that the OPW is progressing the legal matters relating to the acquisition of the site.
195. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of drink-driving checkpoints set up in Cork city and county between 1 December 2016 and 7 January 2017; the number for the corresponding period in the previous year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1619/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI would like to thank the Deputy for raising this important issue. I am deeply conscious of the serious issue of road safety and mindful of the increase in 2016 of road traffic fatalities. I am also mindful of the traumatic impact of road traffic collisions on those directly affected and their families, as well as the impact of dangerous driving more generally on the quality of life of residents in local communities across the country.
As you are aware, I have no direct role in the enforcement of Road Traffic legislation, which is an operational matter for the Garda Commissioner. However, I am informed by the Garda authorities that the table below shows the number of Mandatory Alcohol (MAT) Checkpoints recorded in each of the Garda divisions comprising Cork City and County for the period 1 December 2016 to 8 January 2017 and the same period for 2015/2016. Figures are provided by Garda Division as the information requested is not recorded on a County-by-County basis.
|
Number of Mandatory Alcohol (MAT) Checkpoints |
||
|
Division |
1 Dec 2015 to 8 January 2016 |
1 Dec 2016 to 8 January 2017* |
|
Cork City |
450 |
731 |
|
Cork North |
780 |
790 |
|
Cork West |
654 |
1,030 |
|
Total |
1,884 |
2,551 |
*These figures are provisional, operational and subject to change and are valid to 10 January 2017.
Road safety is a shared responsibility, one which, as you are aware, the Government takes very seriously. Ireland's current Road Safety Strategy (2013 - 2020) aims to place Ireland consistently on the list of safest countries in the EU and beyond. To achieve this, we are continuing to work together in partnership. I attended a meeting of the Joint Ministerial Committee on Road Safety recently, along with the Road Safety Authority, An Garda Síochána, the Attorney General and other agencies. This Committee oversees the implementation of the Road Safety Strategy and provides a forum for high-level discussion of road safety issues and generally meets twice a year; however in light of the 2016 increase in road fatalities, the meeting was brought forward to January. The purpose of the meeting was to bring together all stakeholders to see what immediate actions could be taken to reverse the upward trend in road fatalities. During this meeting, An Garda Síochána indicated that there will be an additional 10% increase in the traffic corps during the course of 2017, which should also lead to better outcomes in relation to road traffic enforcement. An Garda Síochána also informed the meeting that it was intended to have a stronger focus on road traffic enforcement in the training provided to new recruits at Templemore.
Following this meeting, my colleague Minister Ross announced that his Department will review Section 29 of the Road Traffic 2010 with an intention of ensuring that all drivers, if caught drink driving, will in future receive a mandatory disqualification.
196. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the reason a person (details supplied) was refused entry here; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1691/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that a person refused permission to enter the State is required to be given a written notice which sets out the grounds under section 4(3) of the Immigration Act 2004 on which the refusal decision was made.
There is no record of the person concerned having been refused permission to enter the State on the dates provided by the Deputy. I understand, though, that the person is the subject of a deportation order issued in 2004.
It is the case that on occasion a carrier may contact the Irish immigration authorities if they have concerns regarding a passenger and having regard to their obligations under carrier liability legislation. However, the decision to carry a passenger is a matter for the carrier concerned.
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.
197. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if her Department has complied with section 42 of the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission Act 2014, which requires her Department to set out, in a manner that is accessible to the public in its strategic plan, an assessment of the human rights and equality issues it views to be relevant to the functions and purpose of her Department; and the policies, plans and actions in place or proposed to be put in place to address those issues; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1762/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is aware, section 42 of the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission Act 2014 outlines a positive duty on public bodies to have regard to the need to eliminate discrimination, promote equality and protect the human rights of staff and the persons to whom services are provided. It also requires public bodies to carry out an assessment of the human rights and equality issues relevant to their functions and purpose and to set out the policies, plans and actions in place or proposed to be put in place to address those issues.
My Department's Strategy Statement for 2016-2019 was recently approved by Government and will be published shortly. It sets out the Department's approach to this duty and a commitment to carry out an assessment of the human rights and equality issues relevant to the functions and purpose of the Department and the policies, plans and actions which will be put in place, including training and information for staff on human rights and equality as part of the training cycle.
198. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the reason Ireland, from the period 2007 to 2013, returned €3,933,413.66 of €8,244,939.65 that was allocated to Ireland from the European fund for the integration of third-country nationals, which saw 47.71% of the allocated funds permanently lost; and the systems which have been put in place to make sure it does not happen in the future. [1772/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra199. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the expected level of EU funding which Ireland will receive for the period starting from 2014 onwards for integration funding for third country nationals; the amount Ireland has received to date; the expected total of funding; the way in which it has been spent to date; the assistance the Government is providing to help with the distribution and use of this funding; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1773/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 198 and 199 together.
The underspend in the allocation under the European Fund for the Integration of Third-Country Nationals 2007 to 2013 (but with the eligibility period ending on 30 June 2015) was mainly due to an insufficiency of suitable projects with the required level of matching funding.
This Fund, together with the European Refugee Fund and the European Return Fund, was replaced by the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund (AMIF) 2014 to 2020 (but with the eligibility period ending on 31 December 2022). The AMIF has four specific objectives relating to asylum (including resettlement), integration, return, and solidarity (relocation). Of the €19.519 million allocated to Ireland, €5.455 million is earmarked in our National Programme for integration. There is provision for switching allocations between specific objectives depending on where a greater need might arise and, therefore, I am confident that our national allocation will be spent by end 2022.
I launched the first call for applications under the Fund on 22 September last with a closing date of 10 November. This call focused on the asylum and integration areas and aimed to make €4.5 million available over the period 2017 to 2020. I understand that the decision on applications (in which neither the Tánaiste nor I have a personal input) is imminent and that the funds available will be substantially allocated. It is not possible at this stage to say how much will be allocated for each specific objective and, indeed, many applications addressed both asylum and integration.
