Thursday, 26 Oct 2017

Written Answers Nos. 106-130

Third Level Data

Ceisteanna (106)

James Browne

Ceist:

106. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of full-time and part-time students from County Wexford that attend third level education; the number of full-time and part-time County Wexford undergraduate and postgraduate students at each university or institute of technology; the number of full-time and part-time County Wexford students studying for a postgraduate qualification, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45553/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education and Skills

The information requested by the Deputy is outlined in the following table.

Wexford student enrolments in 2016/17:

2016/17 Wexford Enrolments: Institute / Mode	Postgraduate	Undergraduate	Total
Athlone IT
Full-time	2	25	27
Part-time	2	1	3
Athlone IT Total	4	26	30
Cork IT
Full-time	5	53	58
Part-time	1	8	9
Cork IT Total	6	61	67
Dublin City University
Full-time	33	560	593
Part-time	18	8	26
Dublin City University Total	51	568	619
Dublin Institute of Technology
Full-time	12	319	331
Part-time	23	36	59
Dublin Institute of Technology Total	35	355	390
Dun Laoghaire Institute of Art, Design and Technology
Full-time	5	100	105
Part-time	2	1	3
Dun Laoghaire Institute of Art, Design and Technology Total	7	101	108
Dundalk IT
Full-time		20	20
Part-time	1		1
Dundalk IT Total	1	20	21
Galway-Mayo IT
Full-time		25	25
Part-time	2		2
Galway-Mayo IT Total	2	25	27
IT Blanchardstown
Full-time		8	8
Part-time		1	1
IT Blanchardstown Total		9	9
IT Carlow
Full-time	43	643	686
Part-time	17	402	419
IT Carlow Total	60	1,045	1,105
IT Sligo
Full-time		11	11
IT Sligo Total		11	11
IT Tallaght
Full-time		13	13
Part-time	1	14	15
IT Tallaght Total	1	27	28
IT Tralee
Full-time		20	20
IT Tralee Total		20	20
Letterkenny IT
Full-time		7	7
Part-time		6	6
Letterkenny IT Total		13	13
Limerick IT
Full-time	2	38	40
Part-time		2	2
Limerick IT Total	2	40	42
Mary Immaculate College, Limerick
Full-time	2	43	45
Part-time	1		1
Mary Immaculate College, Limerick Total	3	43	46
National College of Art and Design
Full-time	4	22	26
Part-time	2	3	5
National College of Art and Design Total	6	25	31
National University of Ireland, Galway
Full-time	12	73	85
Part-time	6	9	15
National University of Ireland, Galway Total	18	82	100
National University of Ireland, Maynooth
Full-time	18	296	314
Part-time	20	21	41
National University of Ireland, Maynooth Total	38	317	355
Royal College of Surgeons
Full-time	1	14	15
Part-time	8		8
Royal College of Surgeons Total	9	14	23
St. Angela's College of Home Economics, Sligo
Full-time	1	10	11
Part-time	5		5
St. Angela's College of Home Economics, Sligo Total	6	10	16
Trinity College Dublin
Full-time	28	202	230
Part-time	23		23
Trinity College Dublin Total	51	202	253
University College Cork
Full-time	37	173	210
Part-time	13	48	61
University College Cork Total	50	221	271
University College Dublin
Full-time	118	635	753
Part-time	64	13	77
University College Dublin Total	182	648	830
University of Limerick
Full-time	20	193	213
Part-time	2	8	10
University of Limerick Total	22	201	223
Waterford IT
Full-time	31	890	921
Part-time	62	82	144
Waterford IT Total	93	972	1,065
Total	647	5,056	5,703

Question No. 107 answered with Question No. 102.

Schools Building Projects Status

Ceisteanna (108)

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

108. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Skills when the proposed new post-primary school on the existing or alternative site in respect of a school (details supplied) is likely to be progressed having particular regard to the urgent and pressing need in the area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45600/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education and Skills

The Deputy will be aware that a building project for the school in question is included in my Department's 6 Year Construction Programme.

My Department has commenced the preliminary work with a view to progressing the project on the school's existing site and will continue to liaise directly with the school authority in the context of advancing the project through the architectural planning process.

Education and Training Boards Administration

Ceisteanna (109, 110, 111, 112)

Róisín Shortall

Ceist:

109. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Education and Skills his plans to publish guidelines for ETB, comprehensive and community school students that wish to opt out of religious studies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45622/17]

Róisín Shortall

Ceist:

110. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he is satisfied with the situation whereby the Catholic church is assisting in the development of opt-out guidelines for ETB students that wish to opt out of religious studies in County Tipperary; his views on whether this collaboration is appropriate for an ETB in view of recent media reports (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45623/17]

Róisín Shortall

Ceist:

111. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Education and Skills his views on whether the rejection of the claim that State-run second level schools in County Tipperary have a Catholic ethos is in conflict with the assertion by the CEO of the Tipperary ETB that the schools that the ETB administers on behalf of the State have a Catholic ethos; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45624/17]

Róisín Shortall

Ceist:

112. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Education and Skills his plans to examine the practices of ETB schools nationally in order to ensure they do not have a de facto singular religious ethos; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45625/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education and Skills

I propose to take Questions Nos. 109 to 112, inclusive, together.

My Department is preparing a circular that will provide guidance to ETB Post Primary schools on the arrangements that should apply in future for students that wish to opt out of religious instruction or worship.

ETB schools are multi-denominational schools and as such are required to provide for religious instruction according to the profile of the students who attend the school.

It may have been reasonable when the schools were established for a school to assume that its pupil population was predominately catholic and to make arrangements for religious instruction and worship exclusively on that basis. Historically some ETB schools also made provision for religious instruction required for pupils from local Protestant communities. Depending on their future pupil composition as multi-denominational schools, ETB second level schools may have to make provision for religious instruction for those from other minority religions should it be required.

It is important that schools consult with parents and in the case of pupils who have reached the age of 18, the pupil, to find out what their wishes are in respect of participating in religious instruction and worship. This practice should also apply to the parents of pupils already enrolled in the school and not just those seeking admission for the first time.

Schools engaging with parents, or pupils where appropriate, should at the outset of the school year clearly indicate what arrangements are in place for those who chose not to participate in religious instruction. The outcome of this engagement should be integrated with the school’s processes for establishing subject choices generally. Instead of waiting for a parent to request a withdrawal and then having to make alternative arrangements for the pupil for the class periods concerned, pupils who do not chose religious instruction should be timetabled by the school for alternative subjects.

Societal change with a decrease in religious belief and practice requires change in school practice and the circular will address how those who wish to withdraw must be catered for in future.

It is my intention to issue the circular later this year and that it will also apply to Community Schools in all of which ETBs are co-patrons.

State Examinations

Ceisteanna (113)

Eoin Ó Broin

Ceist:

113. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Education and Skills the reason a person (details supplied) was refused a reader in school: and if this decision will be reconsidered [45627/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education and Skills

The State Examinations Commission has statutory responsibility for operational matters relating to the certificate examinations. The Commission in this regard operates a scheme of Reasonable Accommodations in the Certificate Examinations. In view of this I have forwarded your query to the State Examinations Commission for direct reply to you.

EU Regulations

Ceisteanna (114)

Niall Collins

Ceist:

114. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if all EU standards and regulations are required for compliance before the movement of goods and services are permitted across the dividing line in Cyprus for items that originate from the territory not under effective control of the Government of the Republic of Cyprus with respect to the EU’s green line regulation in Cyprus; the number of crossing points across the dividing line; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45585/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

I refer the Deputy to European Council Regulation (EC) No. 866/2004 as amended, which sets out the terms under which the relevant provisions of EU law apply to the dividing line in Cyprus, between the area under the effective control of the Government of Cyprus in which the acquis communautaire applies and the area in which it is suspended. This line is not considered to be an external frontier of the European Union. The treatment of goods arriving from the areas not under the effective control of the Government of the Republic of Cyprus is dealt with under Title III of the Regulation. The recitals to the Regulation explain that “Since the [Green Line between the two parts of Cyprus] does not constitute an external border of the EU, special rules concerning the crossing of goods, services and persons need to be established, the prime responsibility for which belongs to the Republic of Cyprus. As the above-mentioned areas are temporarily outside the customs and fiscal territory of the Community and outside the area of freedom, justice and security, the special rules should secure an equivalent standard of protection of the security of the EU with regard to illegal immigration and threats to public order, and of its economic interests as far as the movement of goods is concerned.”

The European Commission reports annually on the operation of the arrangements put in place by the Cypriot authorities. It is of the view that considerable practical obstacles to trade exist. The total annual value of trade in goods is of the order of €4.5m.

The taxation of services is dealt with under Title IV of the Regulation.

There are seven crossing points along the Green Line.

Undocumented Irish in the USA

Ceisteanna (115)

Brendan Smith

Ceist:

115. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the recent discussions he has had with the authorities in the United States of America on immigration reform; if he has put forward new proposals with particular reference to the undocumented Irish; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45607/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

The Irish Government’s objectives regarding undocumented Irish citizens in the United States remain constant, namely, to achieve relief for the undocumented and to facilitate greater pathways for legal migration to the United States. With this in mind, Ireland’s diplomatic representatives in the U.S. are continuing to systematically avail of all opportunities to raise the immigration issue in their contacts with the US authorities, including the prospects for immigration reform and the situation of the undocumented. We do not, however, underestimate the size of the challenge.

This policy area has been a deeply divisive issue within the US political system for decades, with pronounced disagreement, even within the same political parties, on the best way to deal with a problem which directly affects over 11 million people.

The Government has always tried to work with both parties in a bipartisan way to address our longstanding concerns and this continues to be our approach.

During my visit to New York for the UN General Assembly in September, I met with representatives of the four Irish Immigration Centres in the region and a representative of the US-wide Coalition of Irish Immigration Centres. It gave me the opportunity to hear from those working at the coal-face with the undocumented Irish as to the current situation and the problems they are encountering on the ground.

In addition, I met with a senior State Department official and used that opportunity to once again impress on the US administration the importance which the Irish Government attaches to a resolution of the plight of the undocumented Irish.

I was able to further emphasise the Government’s commitment to this issue when I travelled to Washington DC from 3 to 5 October and met with senior members of the US administration and with members of Congress.

I was pleased that Deputy John Deasy, the Government’s Special Envoy to the US Congress on the Undocumented, who was appointed by the Taoiseach to that position last June, was able to accompany me to those meetings. His appointment was another important statement of our intent and seriousness on this issue.

In addition, the Taoiseach raised the issue when he spoke with President Trump by phone shortly after taking office and I know that the Taoiseach looks forward to having an opportunity to discuss this important issue with President Trump in more detail in due course.

There can be no doubt, then, that the Government remains wholly committed to working with the US authorities to resolve the plight of the undocumented Irish. The Government will continue to articulate to the US authorities our keen interest in this area while respecting the right of the United States to set its own immigration policies.

I can assure the Deputy of the Government’s continued commitment to pursuing these matters on behalf of our affected citizens in the US, and our continued openness to routes and policies that will provide relief for the undocumented.

In addition, our Embassy in Washington DC, and our six Consulates across the US, continue to work continuously with Irish Immigration Centres in order to provide vital services to the undocumented in the United States.

Legal advice on the implications of policy developments for undocumented Irish citizens in the US, funded by my Department, has been disseminated amongst Irish Immigration Centres in the United States and is available online.

UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities

Ceisteanna (116)

Tony McLoughlin

Ceist:

116. Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Minister for Justice and Equality when the State plans to ratify the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons With Disabilities; the reason for the delay in doing so to date; his views on the difference it will make to the lives of persons living here with disabilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45460/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Justice and Equality

Ireland signed the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in 2007 and since then, successive Governments have emphasised Ireland’s strong commitment to proceed to ratification as quickly as possible, taking into account the need to ensure all necessary legislative and administrative requirements under the Convention are met. This Government remains committed to ratification of the Convention.

It is essential that the State is in a position to meet the obligations that it assumes under the terms of an international agreement from the moment of its entry into force for Ireland. Before the State can ratify the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, enactment of new legislation and amendment of existing legislation is required to ensure obligations will be met upon entry into force for Ireland.  Ratification of a Convention before we have amended domestic legislation that contradicts it makes no sense and does nothing to ensure compliance or to protect the people for whose benefit the Convention exists.  The previous Government published a Roadmap in October 2015, which sets out the legislative measures needed to meet those requirements, along with declarations and reservations to be entered by Ireland on ratification.

Considerable progress has already been made to overcome the remaining legislative barriers to Ireland's ratification of the Convention. The Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Act 2015 was signed into law on 30 December 2015 and is a comprehensive reform of the law on decision-making capacity. The Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Act 2017 has reformed Section 5 of the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Act 1993 to facilitate the full participation in family life of persons with intellectual disabilities and the full expression of their human rights.

The Disability (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2016 was published immediately prior to Christmas and completed Second Stage in February 2017.  The primary purpose of the Bill is to address the remaining legislative barriers to Ireland’s ratification of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD). Work is ongoing on all the other issues set out in the previous Government’s Roadmap for Ratification published in October 2015 and these will be progressed as Committee Stage amendments.  The Bill will be progressed to enactment at an early date to facilitate ratification of the UN Convention as soon as possible.

The precise timing of ratification now depends on how long it will take for this Bill to progress through the enactment process and on issues in relation to commencement both of deprivation of liberty provisions, which will be included in the Bill at Committee Stage, and of the Assisted Decision Making (Capacity) Act 2015. 

I would like to take this opportunity to assure the Deputy that ratification of the UNCRPD remains a very high priority for me as Minister.

Commercial Rates Exemptions

Ceisteanna (117)

Kevin O'Keeffe

Ceist:

117. Deputy Kevin O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his views on whether it is in order that permit holders should not have commercial rates applied to their premises (details supplied). [45597/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice and Equality

The Valuation Acts 2001 to 2015 provide for the valuation of all commercial and industrial property for rating purposes. The Commissioner of Valuation is independent in the performance of his statutory functions and the making of valuations for rating purposes is his sole responsibility. I, as Minister for Justice and Equality, have no role in decisions in this regard. Under Irish law there is a distinct separation of function between valuation of rateable property and the levying and collection of commercial rates. The amount of rates payable in any calendar year is a product of the valuation set by the Commissioner, multiplied by the Annual Rate on Valuation (ARV) decided annually by the elected members of each local authority.

Having a modern valuation base is very important for the levying of commercial rates on a fair and equitable basis across all economic sectors. This has been the policy of successive governments and is the express purpose of the National Revaluation Programme now being rolled out by the Valuation Office. The Valuation Acts provide for revaluation of all rateable property within a rating authority area so as to reflect changes in value over time due to changes in economic factors such as business turnover, differential movements in property values or other external factors and changes in the local business environment. The Valuation Office is currently engaged in a national revaluation programme, the immediate objective of which is to ensure that the first revaluation of all rating authority areas in over 150 years is conducted across the country, as soon as possible, and on a phased basis. This is a welcome and positive development which is long overdue and on which considerable progress has been made to date.

With regard to property used in the horse training and wider equine industry, I am advised by the Commissioner of Valuation that there has been some apparent confusion in media reports as to the rateability of certain elements of the sector. The Valuation Act 2001 (Schedule 3, Sections 1(a) and (b)) provides that all buildings and lands used or developed for any purpose, are rateable. The basic premise under the Act is that all interests (including buildings) and all developed land are rateable unless expressly exempted under Schedule 4 of the Act. I am advised that the only element of the equine sector which satisfies the exemption provisions in Schedule 4 is the breeding of horses. Buildings used for breeding of horses are classified as being of agricultural use and are "farm buildings" as defined in the Act. Therefore, these buildings are exempted from the payment of rates under paragraph 5 of Schedule 4.

On the other hand, buildings used for the training of racehorses, recreational equestrian purposes or livery premises are rateable under the Act because they are considered to be part of a commercial enterprise and are not exempt under the provisions of Schedule 4. Such buildings would typically include stables for horses, covered riding arenas, tack rooms and ancillary buildings used to support the enterprise. It would appear from the details supplied with the Deputy’s question that the activities being carried out in this instance would not be exempt activities and so the properties in question would be deemed rateable under the Valuation Acts.

While acknowledging the important contribution which the equine sector makes to the economy, there are no plans to reclassify buildings and lands used for training of horses from being rateable to being exempt from rates. To do so would be at variance with the provisions in the Valuation Acts which maintains the long-standing position that property occupied and used for commercial enterprises is liable for rates. Exceptions to this key principle would quickly be followed by demands for similar treatment from the providers of other equally important services, which would be difficult in equity to resist. This could thus substantially reduce local authority revenues, which would have to be made good by imposing corresponding increases on the remaining ratepayers.

Immigration Controls

Ceisteanna (118)

Richard Boyd Barrett

Ceist:

118. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he is satisfied that racial profiling is not taking place at immigration controls in the airports and ports; the guidelines that are provided to immigration officers as to the way in which persons are selected for questioning at passport control as against those that are simply waived; if figures or records are kept on the number of persons questioned; if a disproportionate number of those are naturalised immigrants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45388/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice and Equality

I can assure the Deputy that racial profiling is not a feature of Irish immigration control.

There is no selection of persons at passport control. Every non-national arriving to the State by sea or air is required to present to an immigration officer and is required to produce a valid identity document or passport.

Passenger arriving by air or sea will have some interaction with an immigration officer. Most of these contacts are informal or routine requests to establish the purpose of entry to the State and are not necessary to record. The Deputy will also appreciate that given the volume of passengers arriving in the State (14 million at Dublin Airport in 2016) that it simply is not feasible to record all such interactions.

Immigration Officers operate in accordance with the relevant law. In the case of persons seeking entry to the State who are nationals of an EEA Member State or qualifying dependants, this is set out in Regulations which transpose the EU Freedom of Movement Directives. For non EEA nationals, the provisions of the Immigration Act 2004 relating to permission to enter and be in the State are applied.

In relation to Irish nationals, once an Immigration Officer is satisfied that the person is an Irish citizen that person is of no further interest from an immigration perspective and is free to continue.

A non EEA national who is admitted to the State will have his or her passport endorsed with a permission to enter stamp indicating purpose and duration of stay. A decision to refuse a non EEA national permission to enter the State is recorded and the person concerned provided with a written notice setting out the grounds for the decision.

Immigration officers receive comprehensive training as part of their induction. This includes modules on dealing appropriately and in a culturally sensitive way with passengers and the wider human rights context in which immigration officers carry out their duties.

Domestic Violence Services Funding

Ceisteanna (119)

Gerry Adams

Ceist:

119. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the funding provided by his Department in each of the years 2011 to 2017 to organisations supporting victims of domestic violence; the offices within his Department allocated to this funding; and the organisations that were funded from these allocations. [45408/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice and Equality

Details of the funding provided by my Department to organisations supporting victims of domestic violence for the period 2011-2017 to date, as at 13 October, 2017, is appended in Table 1. Please note that the table also includes information on the provision of funding to support domestic violence perpetrator programmes whose work remit incorporates the provision of supports to partners/ex partners of perpetrators.

Domestic Violence Organisation	2011	2012	2013	2014	2015	2016	2017
	Funding drawn by organisation	Funding drawn by organisation	Funding                        drawn by organisation	Funding drawn by organisation	Funding drawn by organisation	Funding drawn by organisation	Funding drawn by organisation to mid October
Adapt (Kerry)	€45,792	€21,500	€22,500	€21,500	€17,200	€22,000	€18,400
Adapt (Limerick)	€44,500	€51,500	€49,000	€44,000	€32,000	€60,000	€61,000
Age Action	€0	€0	€2,000	€0	€0	€0	€0
Akidwa	€1,500	€3,940	€1,500	€0	€0	€0	€0
Amber (Kilkenny) Women's Refuge	€0	€0	€0	€5,000	€4,000	€6,500	€9,000
Amen	€17,200	€21,360	€21,648	€25,000	€30,000	€13,200	€18,800
Ana Liffey Drugs Project	€0	€0	€0	€8,900	€0	€5,000	€0
Aoibhneas Women & Children Refuge	€0	€0	€0	€0	€0	€0	€9,300
Aonad Family Resource Centre	€3,000	€1,500	€0	€0	€0	€0	€0
Ascend (Roscrea)	€14,835	€12,900	€13,000	€12,961	€9,169	€10,195	€16,500
Ballyhoura Development Ltd ( Kilmallock)	€0	€1,000	€,1,180	€1,000	€0	€0	€0
Bray Womens Refuge	€0	€0	€0	€0	€0	€9,000	€15,000
Carlow Women's Aid	€15,000	€16,750	€15,700	€14,200	€11,360	€19,000	€23,000
Clare Haven Services	€11,000	€10,500	€10,500	€10,500	€8,400	€13,000	€13,000
Cope Galway	€6,871	€2,950	€3,719	€4,000	€1,760	€4,000	€5,500
Cuan Saor Women's Refuge Ltd.	€19,300	€18,500	€20,000	€19,000	€15,200	€20,700	€23,000
Domestic Violence Advocacy Service , Sligo	€15,000	€10,600	€15,105	€10,505	€6,080	€8,500	€11,000
Domestic Violence Response Ltd. Galway	€18,466	€14,750	€18,700	€14,100	€10,800	€14,000	€15,500
Donegal Women's Domestic Violence Service	€21,000	€16,300	€18,300	€16,800	€12,240	€17,000	€17,000
The Donegal Women's network	€750	€0	€0	€0	€0	€0	€0
Drogheda Women's Refuge	€18,000	€10,500	€10,700	€10,500	€9,500	€10,000	€11,500
Dublin 12 Domestic Violence Service	€1,500	€4,500	€5,250	€4,450	€3,200	€7,000	€7,500
Éist Linn		€1,000	€1,000	€0	€0	€0	€0
Esker House	€2,000	€2,000	€0	€0	€0	€0	€13,000
Families, Father & Friends	€0	€2,400	€0	€0	€0	€0	€0
Family Resource Centre (Inchicore)	€0	€0	€1,500	€0	€0	€0	€5,360
Greystones Family Resource Centre	€0	€0	€2,500	€0	€0	€800	€1,000
Hospital Family Resource Centre	€600	€500	€500	€600	€0	€0	€0
Inclusion Ireland	€0	€0	€0	€5,615	€0	€0	€0
Inner City Organisation Network	€800	€1,000	€1,000	€1,000	€0	€0	€0
Irish College of General Practitioners	€0	€0	€0	€0	€9,470	€8,781	€0
Inishowen Women's Outreach	€5,245	€1,000	€205	€500	€0	€0	€0
Laois Domestic Abuse Service	€18,800	€14,200	€16,950	€12,500	€10,000	€18,000	€22,500
Letterkenny Women's Centre	€0	€4,800	€4,800	€4,800	€3,840	€6,500	€7,500
Lifeline (Inishowen) Domestic Violence Service	€0	€0	€0	€750	€0	€0	€0
Limerick Local Area Network on Violence Against Women	€1,750	€1,500	€1,550	€1,500	€0	€0	€0
Limerick Women's Network		€270	€210	€0	€0	€0	€0
Longford Women's Link	€20,300	€21,400	€21,200	€18,400	€14,720	€20,000	€21,000
Mayo Women's Support Service	€22,800	€23,900	€24,000	€22,500	€18,000	€8,204	€9,776
Mayo Children's Initiative	€0	€3,500	€0	€0	€0	€0	€0
Meath Women's Refuge and Support Service	€25,900	€25,000	€27,000	€26,000	€20,800	€30,000	€34,000
Men's Development Network	€10,000	€0	€10,000	€10,000	€10,000	€40,000	€0
Mna Feasa	€29,316	€28,000	€28,000	€25,000	€18,400	€25,000	€27,500
National Traveller Women's Forum	€6,000	€0	€0	€0	€0	€0	€0
Oasis	€5,000	€7,000	€7,600	€9,300	€7,440	€10,000	€10,000
Offaly Domestic Violence Support Service	€9,600	€9,100	€10,800	€9,100	€6,880	€10,000	€12,000
Open Door Network	€3,000	€0	€0	€0	€0	€0	€0
Pavee Point	€0	€0	€5,200	€5,250	€0	€0	€0
Ronanstown Community Development Project	€500	€600	€700	€0	€0	€0	€0
Roscommon Safe Link	€18,500	€18,000	€18,300	€16,800	€12,800	€17,000	€18,000
Safe Ireland	€0	€15,000	€39,000	€105,000	€45,000	€5,500	€16,000
Saoirse Housing Association (Tallaght)	€14,500	€12,900	€17,400	€13,000	€10,400	€15,000	€16,000
Sohragi	€1,000	€0	€0	€0	€0	€0	€0
Sonas Housing	€2,500	€3,000	€0	€0	€0	€14,000	€5,500
Southwest kerry Women's Association	€500	€0	€0	€0	€0	€0	€0
Southill Domestic Abuse Project	€1,000	€0	€0	€0	€0	€0	€0
Tearmann Housing Association	€14,500	€13,800	€14,800	€13,800	€11,040	€16,000	€17,000
Tearmann Domestic Violence Service	€3,500	€2,500	€2,500	€0	€0	€0	€0
Waterford Women's Centre	€1,000	€0	€1,000	€500	€0	€0	€0
West Cork Women Against Violence Project	€0	€2,000	€2,345	€0	€0	€0	€8,000
Wexford Local Area Network against violence Against Women	€2,000	€0	€0	€0	€0	€0	€0
Westmeath Support Services	€15,000	€14,200	€15,900	€14,200	€11,360	€16,000	€17,000
Women's Aid Dublin	€74,000	€126,500	€120,750	€96,234	€125,320	€94,000	€100,000
Women's Aid Dundalk	€17,500	€16,800	€17,560	€14,000	€14,000	€16,500	€17,500
Womens Therapy Centre	€0	€8,600	€8,600	€2,637	€0	€0	€0
You Are Not Alone (YANA)	€700	€800	€0	€0	€0	€0	€2,400
Total Direct Funding to Domestic Violence Services	€581,525	€600,320	€650,492	€651,402	€520,379	€610,380	€656,036
Domestic Violence Perpetrator Programmes
MOVE Ireland	€385,000	€359,972	€179,986	€210,000	€360,000	€402,000	€346,500
South East Domestic Violence Intervention Programme	€271,000	€251,150	€188,250	€231,042	€259,539	€278,000	€217,215
North East Domestic  Violence Intervention Programme	€20,000	€12,750	€23,477	€22,682	€23,000	€24,000	€20,250
Total Domestic Violence Perpetrator Programmes	€676,000	€623,872	€391,713	€463,724	€642,539	€704,000	€583,965
Overall Totals	€1,257,525	€1,224,192	€1,042,205	€1,115,126	€1,162,918	€1,314,380	€1,240,001

Victim Support Services

Ceisteanna (120)

Gerry Adams

Ceist:

120. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the funding allocated by his Department to County Louth in each of the years 2011 to 2016; the victim support organisations that were funded from these allocations; and the amount of funding allocated in each case. [45409/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice and Equality

The Deputy will appreciate that funding is not generally allocated to counties per se. However, details of funding provided through various schemes to projects located in County Louth in the timeframe specified by the Deputy are set out in the following table.

2011

Project   Name/Type	Location/Organisation	Amount   €
Court accompaniment for female victims   of domestic violence	Women's Aid Dundalk	14,500
Court accompaniment for female victims   of domestic violence	Drogheda Women’s Refuge &   Children’s Refuge Centre	15,000
Counselling for victims of crime	Dundalk Counselling Service	19,800
COSC Awareness raising grant scheme	Rape Crisis North East	6,000
COSC Awareness raising grant scheme	Drogheda Women's Refuge	3,000
COSC Domestic Violence intervention   programme	North East Domestic Violence   Intervention programme	20,000
High Voltage - Garda Youth Diversion   Project	Cox's Demesne – Dundalk	107,091
TEAM - Garda Youth Diversion Project	Muirhevnanmor Community Youth Service   – Dundalk	157,142
Cox's Demesne - Young Person's   Probation Project	Cox's Demesne – Dundalk	152,950
		Total:   495,483

2012

Project   Name/Type	Location/Organisation	Amount   €
Court accompaniment for female victims   of domestic violence	Women's Aid Dundalk	13,800
Court accompaniment for female victims   of domestic violence	Drogheda Women’s Refuge & Children’s   Refuge Centre	9,500
Counselling for victims of crime	Dundalk Counselling Service	19,000
COSC Awareness raising grant scheme	Rape Crisis North East	5,000
COSC Awareness raising grant scheme	Women's Aid Dundalk	3,000
COSC Awareness raising grant scheme	Drogheda Women's and Children Refuge   Ltd	1,000
COSC Awareness raising grant scheme	Dundalk Outcomers	2,000
COSC Domestic Violence intervention   programme	North East Domestic Violence   Intervention programme	12,750
High Voltage - Garda Youth Diversion   Project	Cox's Demesne – Dundalk	110,591
TEAM - Garda Youth Diversion Project	Muirhevnanmor Community Youth Service   – Dundalk	142,627
Boyne - Garda Youth Diversion Project	Youth Work Ireland Louth - Drogheda	105,234
CABLE - Garda Youth Diversion Project	Foróige – Dundalk	63,318
Cox's Demesne - Young Person's Probation   Project	Cox's Demesne – Dundalk	152,950
		Total:   640,770

2013

Project   Name/Type	Location/Organisation	Amount   €
Court accompaniment for female victims   of domestic violence	Women's Aid Dundalk	16,560
Court accompaniment for female victims   of domestic violence	Drogheda Women's Refuge & Children’s   Refuge Centre	9,500
Counselling for victims of crime	Dundalk Counselling Service	19,000
COSC Awareness raising grant scheme	Rape Crisis North East	5,000
COSC Awareness raising grant scheme	Drogheda Women's and Children Refuge   Ltd	1,200
COSC Awareness raising grant scheme	Women's Aid Dundalk	1,000
COSC Domestic Violence intervention   programme	North East Domestic Violence   Intervention programme	23,477
High Voltage - Garda Youth Diversion   Project	Cox's Demesne – Dundalk	109,505
TEAM - Garda Youth Diversion Project	Muirhevnanmor Community Youth Service   – Dundalk	150,602
Boyne - Garda Youth Diversion Project	Youth Work Ireland Louth - Drogheda	105,234
CABLE - Garda Youth Diversion Project	Foróige – Dundalk	66,734
Cox's Demesne - Young Person's   Probation Project	Cox's Demesne – Dundalk	145,000
		Total:   652,812

2014

Project   Name/Type	Location/Organisation	Amount   €
Court accompaniment for female victims   of domestic violence	Women's Aid Dundalk	14,000
Court accompaniment for female victims   of domestic violence	Drogheda Women’s Refuge & Children’s   Refuge Centre	9,500
Counselling for victims of crime	Dundalk Counselling Service	19,000
Support for patient victims of crime	Dignity 4Patients	10,000
COSC Awareness raising grant scheme	Rape Crisis North East	4,000
COSC Awareness raising grant scheme	Drogheda Women's and Children Refuge   Ltd	1,000
COSC Domestic Violence intervention   programme	North East Domestic Violence   Intervention programme	22,682
High Voltage - Garda Youth Diversion   Project	Cox's Demesne – Dundalk	113,238
TEAM - Garda Youth Diversion Project	Muirhevnanmor Community Youth Service   – Dundalk	148,500
Boyne - Garda Youth Diversion Project	Youth Work Ireland Louth - Drogheda	104,751
CABLE - Garda Youth Diversion Project	Foróige – Dundalk	66,734
Cox's Demesne - Young Person's   Probation Project	Cox's Demesne – Dundalk	144,000
		Total:   657,405

2015

Project   Name/Type	Location/Organisation	Amount   €
Court accompaniment for female victims   of domestic violence	Women's Aid Dundalk	14,000
Court accompaniment for female victims   of domestic violence	Drogheda Women's Refuge & Children’s   Refuge Centre	9,500
Counselling for victims of crime	Dundalk Counselling Service	19,000
Support for patient victims of crime	Dignity 4Patients	10,000
COSC Awareness raising grant scheme	Rape Crisis North East	4,000
COSC Domestic Violence intervention   programme	North East Domestic Violence   Intervention programme	23,000
High Voltage - Garda Youth Diversion   Project	Cox's Demesne – Dundalk	109,500
TEAM - Garda Youth Diversion Project	Muirhevnanmor Community Youth Service   – Dundalk	148,500
Boyne - Garda Youth Diversion Project	Youth Work Ireland Louth - Drogheda	105,234
CABLE - Garda Youth Diversion Project	Foróige – Dundalk	61,404
Cox's Demesne - Young Person's   Probation Project	Cox's Demesne – Dundalk	147,500
		Total:   651,638

2016

Project   Name/Type	Location/Organisation	Amount   €
Court accompaniment for female victims   of domestic violence	Women's Aid Dundalk	16,500
Court accompaniment for female victims   of domestic violence	Drogheda Women's Refuge and Children's   Refuge Centre	10,000
Counselling for victims of crime	Dundalk Counselling Centre	20,000
Support for patient victims of crime	Dignity 4Patients	10,500
COSC Domestic Violence intervention   programme	North East Domestic Violence   Intervention programme	24,000
High Voltage - Garda Youth Diversion   Project	Cox's Demesne – Dundalk	109,500
TEAM - Garda Youth Diversion Project	Muirhevnanmor Community Youth Service   – Dundalk	148,500
Boyne - Garda Youth Diversion Project	Youth Work Ireland Louth - Drogheda	105,234
CABLE - Garda Youth Diversion Project	Foróige – Dundalk	66,734
Cox's Demesne - Young Person's   Probation Project	Cox's Demesne – Dundalk	147,500
		Total:   658,468

Garda Operations

Ceisteanna (121)

Peter Burke

Ceist:

121. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the actions being put in place by An Garda Síochána to combat a series of recent burglaries (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45422/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice and Equality

I have sought a report from the Garda authorities in relation to the issues raised and I will respond directly to the Deputy when the report is to hand. I want to assure the Deputy that I am very much aware of the impact of crime on rural communities, including the serious damage done by organised gangs who target rural areas to engage in burglary and other property-related crime.

The Deputy will appreciate it is the Garda Commissioner who is responsible for the distribution of resources, including personnel, among the various Garda Divisions and Districts and I, as Minister, have no direct role in the matter.  However, I can assure the Deputy that Garda management keeps this distribution of resources under continual review in the context of crime trends and policing priorities so as to ensure that optimum use is made of these resources.  

The success of the Garda measures to tackle burglary being implemented through Operation Thor is borne out by latest available CSO crime figures which show a very significant decline in property related crime. It is encouraging to note that since the launch of Operation Thor in late 2015, the CSO burglary figures have shown a significant 30% decrease in burglary for the twelve months of 2016 when compared to 2015.

As the Deputy is aware, Operation Thor involves a broad range of activities to tackle organised crime gangs and other prolific offenders as well as working with communities to prevent crime. This comprehensive operation is supported by the enhanced Government investment in Garda resources, including an allocation of almost €100 million for Garda overtime in 2017. We have also invested heavily in the Garda fleet, with over 720 new vehicles coming on stream since the start of 2015 and a provision of €46 million for new Garda vehicles under the Capital Plan 2016-2021.

These additional investments in policing make it possible to maintain and extend a range of intensive policing operations, including the continued targeting of burglaries and related crime via Operation Thor. 

Under Operation Thor we have seen over 83,260 targeted checkpoints and 61,580 crime prevention patrols nationwide. This concentrated policing activity has produced in the region of 5,540 arrests and 6,150 charges covering a range of offences which, in addition to burglary, have included handling stolen property, possession of firearms and drugs offences.

This Government has also made it a particular priority to strengthen our legislative provisions through the enactment of the Criminal Justice (Burglary of Dwellings) Act 2015 which is targeted at repeat burglars who have previous convictions and who are charged with multiple offences of residential burglary. This new legislation is now available to support the work which is being carried out by An Garda Síochána under Operation Thor.

The Programme for Government underlines the need for close engagement between An Garda Síochána and local communities. This is an essential feature of the strong community policing ethos which has long been central to policing in this jurisdiction.  The Deputy will be aware that, as part of the overall strategy to oppose criminality, the Garda authorities pursue a range of partnerships with community stakeholders, including the farming organisations.

There are a range of partnership initiatives which have been established between An Garda Síochána and important rural-based organisations such as the Irish Farmers Association, Muintir na Tire and other rural community organisations. These include the well established Community Alert Programme, which receives annual funding from my Department, as well as the work of the Metal Theft Forum, the Crimestoppers campaign highlighting the Theft of Livestock, the Theftstop initiative in relation to farm equipment, and the highly successful Garda Text Alert Scheme. 

Furthermore, I was pleased to recently announce that an additional €100,000 was being made available to Text Alert Groups, registered with An Garda Síochána, to provide modest financial assistance with the running costs they incur each year.  This Text Alert Rebate Scheme will be administered by Muintir na Tíre and Groups wishing to participate in the Scheme can find more details at www.muintir.ie.

The Deputy will be aware that An Garda Síochána's Modernisation and Renewal Programme 2016-2021 places a strong emphasis on developing and supporting the community policing ethos of the organisation and enhancing the current delivery model so that Gardaí spend more time in the community, gaining public confidence and trust and providing a greater sense of security.  It will result in the introduction of multi-skilled Community Policing Teams in every District. Community Policing Teams will be made-up of Gardaí from a number of different units who will work with the local community to prevent and detect crime.  Undoubtedly, the ongoing recruitment process will support all Garda activities and will enhance the provision of effective Community Policing throughout the country.

The 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 to deter crime.  The substantial increase in Garda numbers is tangible progress on achieving this  Government's vision of an overall Garda workforce of 21,000 personnel by 2021 comprising 15,000 Garda members, 2,000 Reserve members and 4,000 civilians.

Budget 2018 will support the continuation of this high level of investment in the Garda workforce and ensure that the vision of an overall workforce of 21,000 by 2021 remains on track. A further 800 new Garda Recruits will enter the Garda College, an additional 500 civilians will also be recruited to fill critical skills gaps across the organisation and to facilitate the redeployment of Gardaí from administrative and technical duties to front-line operational duties. There are plans to strengthen the Garda Reserve with new Reserves expected to commence training early in 2018.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 42A.

Law Reform Commission Reports

Ceisteanna (122)

Pearse Doherty

Ceist:

122. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his views on the Law Reform Commission's 2005 report on multi party litigation; his further views on the recommendations of the report; if he will legislate to implement them; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45432/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice and Equality

The position in relation to the matters which the Deputy has raised remains as I have conveyed in my Written Reply to Question No. 182 of 24 October 2017 which I shall therefore reiterate on this occasion.

The issue of multi-party litigation was the subject of a Report and recommendations by the Law Reform Commission in 2005 (LRC 76-2005) as the Deputy has mentioned. 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. As such, I will continue to bear it in mind for discussion and possible action in the general context of any upcoming reforms in the civil justice area.

International Bodies Membership

Ceisteanna (123)

Alan Kelly

Ceist:

123. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the persons from his Department who are attending the chiefs of police conference 2017 in Philadelphia; his views on whether the number of persons attending is excessive; the costs for same; if other persons are attending at a cost to the exchequer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45507/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice and Equality

I believe the Deputy is referring to the 2017 International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) Conference which was held in Philadelphia from 21 to 24 October 2017. My Department was not represented at the Conference.

I am aware however, that in common with previous years, both the Garda Síochána and the Policing Authority were represented at the conference, as was the Commission on the Future of Policing in Ireland. 

It is a matter for the independent bodies concerned to determine their representation at such events, subject to the usual rules governing travel by public servants.

Garda Stations

Ceisteanna (124)

Niamh Smyth

Ceist:

124. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the position regarding the acquisition of a Garda station (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45541/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice and Equality

The Deputy will appreciate that the programme of replacement and refurbishment of Garda accommodation is progressed by the Garda authorities working in close cooperation with the Office of Public Works (OPW), which has responsibility for the provision and maintenance of Garda accommodation. This includes identifying and progressing any necessary remedial or refurbishment works required at individual stations. As Minister, I have no direct role in these matters.

I would refer the Deputy to my response to Parliamentary Question No. 221 on 3 October 2017, Wherein I confirmed that the OPW and the Chief State Solicitor’s Office continue to progress the acquisition of the site in question as a high priority and expect the process to reach a conclusion shortly.

Following a further contact between my Department and the OPW, I can confirm that the position is as outlined above.

Immigrant Investor Programme Administration

Ceisteanna (125)

Jack Chambers

Ceist:

125. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the position regarding the review of the immigration investor programmes as outlined in the justice sector Estimates 2017; if it has concluded; if so, the findings it has made; his plans to publish the review; if not, the timeframe for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45547/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice and Equality

I am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that a limited internal review of the Immigrant Investor Programme (IIP)  was concluded in Q3 2017. It was highlighted that as applications to the IIP had only gained momentum in the second half of 2016,  it would be difficult to carry out an in depth evaluation and draw useful conclusions at this stage. It was also noted that as the majority of IIP investments were only made relatively recently to evaluate their effectiveness at this early stage may not provide sufficient material for any useful lessons to be learned and conclusions to be reached.  My Department, does however, intend to have a more comprehensive review and analysis undertaken in due course.  In the circumstances, it is not proposed to publish the review in question.

Family Reunification Applications

Ceisteanna (126)

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

126. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality when a family reunification will take place in respect of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45572/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice and Equality

I am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that the person referred to by the Deputy is resident here on the basis of an extension of student permission, as an exceptional measure, to allow the person to seek an employment permit-based permission. This temporary permission is due to come to an end in January 2018.

There is no family reunification application submitted for, or on behalf of, the person concerned. All applications for family reunification must be made in line with the Policy Document on Non-EEA Family Reunification which can be found at www.inis.gov.ie.

Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to the INIS of my Department by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Questions process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in cases where the response from the INIS is, in the Deputy's view, inadequate or too long awaited.

Naturalisation Applications

Ceisteanna (127)

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

127. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will review the naturalisation application by a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45573/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice and Equality

I am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that the person referred to by the Deputy married an Irish National in January 2017 and in March 2017 made an application to INIS for permission to remain in the State, as the spouse of an Irish National.

I understand that a request for documentation issued to the person concerned on 09 October 2017 and INIS are currently awaiting a response.

Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to the INIS of my Department by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Questions process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in cases where the response from the INIS is, in the Deputy’s view, inadequate or too long awaited.

Residency Permits

Ceisteanna (128)

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

128. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality when a stamp 4 will be restored in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45574/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice and Equality

I am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that the first person referred to by the Deputy was granted Long Term Residency (stamp 4) on 03 February 2009 for five years. INIS did not receive an application for renewal of this Long Term Residency permission (stamp 4). This person, however, currently holds a Stamp 1 permission to remain in the State valid to 20 August 2018.

The immigration permission of the second person referred to by the Deputy, expired on 28 June 2013.

I wish to inform the Deputy, that the INIS does not currently have any application in respect of this person before them. It appears that the person concerned does not, therefore, have permission to remain in the State, and they should be aware that it is illegal for them under the Immigration Act 2004 to reside in the State without the permission from the Minister for Justice and Equality. A person found guilty of such an offence is liable, under Section 13 of the Immigration Act of 2004, to a fine not exceeding €3,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 12 months or to both.

Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to the INIS of my Department by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Questions process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in cases where the response from the INIS is, in the Deputy's view, inadequate or too long awaited.

Residency Permits

Ceisteanna (129)

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

129. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality when a stamp 4 will be renewed in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45575/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice and Equality

I am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that in respect of the first person mentioned by the Deputy, their last immigration permission expired on 28 June 2013. Subsequent to this date, there is no further immigration record of them residing in the State.

Regarding the second person mentioned by the Deputy, INIS advise me that their last immigration permission expired on 02 August 2013. Subsequent to this date, there is no further immigration record of them residing in the State.

From the information provided by the Deputy, it appears that both persons are continuing to reside illegally in the State without permission. Should this be the case, they should be aware that under Section 5 of the Immigration Act 2004, it is unlawful for a non-national to be in the State other than in accordance with the terms of any permission given by the Minister for Justice and Equality. A person who contravenes such a requirement may have committed an offence and if found guilty is liable under Section 13 of the Immigration Act 2004, to a fine not exceeding €3,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 12 months, or both.

In order to allow INIS make a full assessment of this case, both persons should be advised to write to Unit 2 - Residence Division, Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service, 13/14 Burgh Quay, Dublin 2 clarifying their current residency location i.e. are they currently residing inside or outside the State. They should include a detailed explanation of their activities since the both last had permission to reside in the State, what their future plans are, and should also supply full copies of all passports, their marriage certificate, birth certificates of any children and work permits.

Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to the INIS of my Department by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Questions process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in cases where the response from the INIS is, in the Deputy’s view, inadequate or too long awaited.

Residency Permits

Ceisteanna (130)

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

130. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality when permission to remain stamp 4 or alternative updated residency status will be awarded in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45576/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice and Equality

I am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that the application for the Reactivation of Employment Permit Permission for the person concerned remains under consideration. INIS will be in contact with the person concerned in due course.

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.