Michael Healy-Rae
Ceist:97. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Education and Skills his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding school accommodation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51285/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraSchool Accommodation
Ceisteanna (97)
Freagraí scríofa
My Department fully funded the provision of a new 12 classroom building for the school to which the Deputy refers, which the school moved into in April 2015.
Subsequently, in late 2016, the school referred to submitted an application for additional accommodation due to increases in pupil enrolments. The application was processed, having regard to the demographic information available for the school planning area within which the school in question is located, and it was determined that there was sufficient capacity within the school planning area to meet the demand for primary school places. In that regard the application was not approved.
My Department has recently received an application from the school referred to for additional accommodation. This application is being considered in the context of updated demographic data available for the school planning area within which the school referred to is located. The school authorities will be advised of the decision in due course.
Ministerial Functions
Ceisteanna (98)
Eugene Murphy
Ceist:98. Deputy Eugene Murphy asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of times he has been requested to act in accordance with the provisions of section 16 of the Education Act 1998 at the request of a patron from December 2015 and to date in 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51298/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
In accordance with the provisions of the Education Act 1998, the appointment of a Board of Management of a school is a matter for the relevant school patron.
Section 16 of the Education Act provides that where a patron is satisfied that the functions of a Board are not being effectively discharged, the patron may, subject to the consent of the Minister and following issuing a notice of the proposed dissolution to board members and consideration of any representations received, dissolve the board of management and, subject to the approval of the Minister, appoint any person or body of persons as the patron thinks fit to perform the functions of the board.
For the period from December 2015 to date in 2017 I have approved the dissolution of boards of management at the request of a patron on two occasions.
School Management
Ceisteanna (99)
Eugene Murphy
Ceist:99. Deputy Eugene Murphy asked the Minister for Education and Skills the procedures that must be followed when a complaint is made in relation to an individual board member by a school board of management to a school patron; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51299/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Under Section 15 of the Education Act it is the duty of a board of management of a school to manage the school on behalf of the patron.
It is a matter for the patron of a school to determine how they address any complaints that may be brought to their attention.
Section 16 of the Education Act provides that the patron may, with the consent of the Minister, for good and valid reasons stated in writing to a member of a board of management remove that member from that office, or if satisfied that the functions of a board are not being effectively discharged, dissolve that board.
School Transport
Ceisteanna (100)
Bobby Aylward
Ceist:100. Deputy Bobby Aylward asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he has satisfied himself that the location of a school transport pick-up-drop-off point (details supplied) provides no health and safety risk to children; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51326/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
School transport is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department. Currently over 114,000 children, including over 11,000 children with special educational needs, are being transported in over 4,500 vehicles on a daily basis to primary and post-primary schools throughout the country covering over 100 million kilometres annually. Under the terms of my Department's Post Primary School Transport Scheme children are eligible for school transport where they reside not less than 4.8 kilometres from and are attending their nearest school as determined by my Department/Bus Éireann, having regard to ethos and language. Bus Éireann, which operates the school transport scheme on behalf of my Department, has advised that the pick-up point referred to by the Deputy has been assessed by Bus Éireann and is considered suitable for this purpose. Parents or guardians are expected to make suitable arrangements to bring their children to and from the school bus, taking whatever safety precautions they may deem necessary to do so.
School Transport Eligibility
Ceisteanna (101)
Bobby Aylward
Ceist:101. Deputy Bobby Aylward asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding a meeting (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51327/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
School transport is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department.
Currently over 114,000 children, including over 11,000 children with special educational needs, are being transported in over 4,500 vehicles on a daily basis to primary and post-primary schools throughout the country covering over 100 million kilometres annually.
Additional information relating to the children concerned was submitted to my Department. It remains the position that the children in question are not eligible for school transport.
Schools Building Projects Status
Ceisteanna (102)
Margaret Murphy O'Mahony
Ceist:102. Deputy Margaret Murphy O'Mahony asked the Minister for Education and Skills the status of the extension to a school (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51331/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The major building project for Clonakilty Community College has reached an advanced stage of architectural planning, Stage 2B, which includes the preparation of tender documents.
In June 2017, the Department gave approval to the school authorities to have their Design Team commence the process of Pre-Qualification of Contractors. This process is still ongoing and my Department is awaiting the final pre-qualification submission and assessment by the Design Team.
Upon receipt and review of this submission, my Department will revert to the school with a timeframe for progression of the project to tender stage.
School Management
Ceisteanna (103)
Eugene Murphy
Ceist:103. Deputy Eugene Murphy asked the Minister for Education and Skills if another mechanism exists for the removal of an individual member of a board of management of a primary school aside from the provisions set forth in section 16 of the Education Act 1998 and as enumerated in the governance manual for primary schools 2015 to 2019 in section 7; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51377/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
In accordance with the provisions of the Education Act 1998, the appointment of a Board of Management of a school is a matter for the relevant school patron.
The mechanisms under which a Board of Management member may be removed are as follows:
Section 16 of the Education Act provides that a patron may, with the consent of the Minister, for good and valid reasons stated in writing to a member of a board of management remove that member from that office, or if satisfied that the functions of a board are not being effectively discharged, dissolve that board.
Section 7 of the Governance Manual for Primary Schools 2015-2019 sets out the circumstances in which Board members may be removed or membership of a board of management shall cease.
Ministerial Meetings
Ceisteanna (104)
Gerry Adams
Ceist:104. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has recently had engagement with the Spanish ambassador to Ireland. [49003/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I met with the Spanish Ambassador on 24 October last following the Statements on Catalonia in this House earlier that day and I have also spoken recently with the Ambassador.
The Minister of State for European Affairs, Helen McEntee TD, met with the Spanish Secretary of State for European Affairs, Jorge Toledo, who was accompanied by the Spanish Ambassador, at the Department of Foreign Affairs on 22nd November last.
Brexit Negotiations
Ceisteanna (105)
Gerry Adams
Ceist:105. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has received briefings on the Brexit negotiations from Michel Barnier or his officials recently. [49292/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
At the General Affairs Council (Article 50) on Monday 20 November, the EU’s Chief Negotiator, Michel Barnier, provided an update to the EU27 Member States on the state of play with regard to the EU-UK negotiations. This provided an important opportunity to take stock of progress in light of the forthcoming decision by the European Council in December on whether or not sufficient progress has been made on the exit issues in order to enable discussions on the framework for a future EU-UK relationship and transitional arrangements to begin. In this regard, Mr Barnier reported that, while some progress was made in the latest round of negotiations on 9-10 November, there is a lot of work remaining in order to achieve sufficient progress across all of the exit issues - citizens’ rights, the UK’s financial settlement and the issues unique to Ireland.
During the meeting, I took the opportunity to express Ireland’s strong support for the work of Michel Barnier and his team. I also acknowledged the continuing solidarity and support we are enjoying from our EU partners in relation to the Irish specific issues, which was again in evidence throughout the meeting on 20 November.
I emphasised that the decision on whether or not sufficient progress has been made across all three exit issues is one that the EU27 will take together, on the basis of a recommendation from Mr Barnier.
As concerns the Irish specific issues, I underlined that the negotiations have reached the point where firm, explicit commitments are required from the UK, which will need to be reflected in the Withdrawal Agreement. The achievement of sufficient progress does not mean that all issues need to be definitively settled and the detail worked out. But what is essential is that the path to the final outcome is mapped out.
This includes protecting the Good Friday Agreement in all its parts, and the gains of the peace process, including avoiding a hard border on the island of Ireland. In this regard, I recalled that Ireland continues to believe that the optimal solution would be for the UK to remain in the Customs Union and the Single Market. But this is ultimately a decision for the UK Government to make. If the UK continues to rule out this option, the solutions that it offers must be concrete and workable. This should include an acceptance by the UK that the risks posed by the emergence on the island of Ireland of regulatory divergence from the rules of the Internal Market and the Customs Union must be avoided.
I also met with Mr Barnier on 24 November, while attending the Eastern Partnership Summit in Brussels, where we spoke in more depth on the Irish specific issues. I thanked Mr Barnier and his team for their hard work and the progress made on the Irish-specific issues. We shared the importance of making sufficient progress on all aspects of the Irish specific issues before a decision can be taken to move to phase 2. I welcomed that there has been particular progress on advancing joint principles on the continuation of the Common Travel Area and that officials have also been carrying out detailed work over the last few weeks to map out areas of cooperation that operate on a North South basis on the island of Ireland and which rely on or are supported by EU law and policies. I noted, however, that there is still more work to be done in this area as well as on the question of avoiding a hard border on the island of Ireland where there must be a commitment from the UK that the risks presented by the emergence of regulatory divergence from the rules of the Internal Market and Customs Union must be avoided.
I expressed Ireland’s commitment to continue working closely with the Commission Task Force to advance these issues and our hope that, with hard work and political will, the European Council will be able to take a positive decision next month.
Direct Provision System
Ceisteanna (106)
Clare Daly
Ceist:106. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if his attention has been drawn to serious issues at a direct provision centre (details supplied); and the steps he will take to address same. [51322/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
In recent weeks my Department has become aware of allegations in relation to pests and night time security services at the accommodation centre in question. These complaints were raised with the Manager of the centre and she has advised that, as is normal in any premises where food is being prepared under Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP)conditions, there is a pest control system in place provided by a pest control company for health and safety reasons. As a result, there are bait boxes strategically placed around the Centre as preventative measures.
With regard to the provision of night time security, the front door of the building is locked every night at 10pm for the safety of all residents. There is a night porter working at reception which is located beside the front door. The only time he leaves the front desk is to patrol the building to ensure that every area is safe. There is a CCTV system covering public access and common areas installed in the accommodation Centre. This allows the night porter to monitor any person trying to gain access to the centre.
While there have been no complaints received by my Department in relation to the cleanliness of the bathrooms or hygiene standards in the kitchen, the Centre's Manager has confirmed that the bathrooms are cleaned on at least a daily basis and are inspected regularly throughout the day. It is a condition of all contracts for accommodation centres for those in the protection process that a food management system incorporating the principles of HACCP is in place. This is in accordance with the European Community (Hygiene of Foodstuff) Regulations, 2000 (S.I. No. 165 of 2000).
In addition to regular inspections carried out by the Reception and Integration Agency (RIA), as well as an independent inspection service, all accommodation centres are subject to unannounced inspections by state bodies such as Environmental Health Officers and the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner. The Centre was inspected by staff from the Reception and Integration Agency on 25 May 2017 and no issues were identified. Inspection Reports are available to view on www.ria-inspections.gov.ie. In addition, regular clinics are held by RIA staff at accommodation centres. A clinic was held at this centre on the 2 October 2017 and again, none of the issues outlined in the Deputy's question were raised by residents.
All persons under 18 years of age in accommodation centres under contract to the Department are in the company of their parents or guardians. Unaccompanied minors are the statutory responsibility of TUSLA. TUSLA provide advice to the Department as to whether a person is a minor or otherwise and appropriate accommodation is then provided by either my Department or TUSLA as the case may be.
Magdalen Laundries Report
Ceisteanna (107, 108, 109)
Clare Daly
Ceist:107. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if his Department will accept the criticisms and recommendations in the Ombudsman's report entitled, Opportunity Lost - An investigation by the Ombudsman into the administration of the Magdalen Restorative Justice Scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51323/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraClare Daly
Ceist:108. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Justice and Equality when he will implement the Ombudsman's recommendation to review applications that were refused on the grounds that they had been admitted to a training centre or industrial school located in the same building or attached the grounds of one of the laundries. [51324/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraClare Daly
Ceist:109. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his views on whether it is his Department's remit to oversee the development of robust guidelines on the operation of future restorative or redress schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51325/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 107 to 109, inclusive, together.
I should firstly say that I am committed to honouring the commitments of then Taoiseach Enda Kenny to the Magdalen women in 2013 and the full implementation of the Magdalen Restorative Justice Scheme introduced for women who were admitted to and worked in the 12 named institutions covered by the scheme. My Department was entrusted with overall responsibility for implementation of this scheme. I have been assured that the scheme has been operated with compassion and dedication by a team of officials in the Department. It is administered in such a way as to be as un-intrusive as possible and to minimise the input required by eligible applicants.
On 23 November 2017 the Ombudsman published the report of his investigation into the administration of the Magdalen Restorative Justice Scheme. The Ombudsman is critical of the administration of the scheme by the Department of Justice and Equality and believes that it wrongly excluded certain applicants from benefitting from it. I should add that in his report, the Ombudsman acknowledged the complete cooperation of the Department in his investigation.
Attached at appendix 1 to the Ombudsman's report - available on his website www.ombudsman.ie - is my Department's response to his then draft report. This raised a number of factual, legal and practical issue in relation to his analysis of the operation of the scheme and to some of his recommendations arising therefrom.
In this latter respect, during the course of his investigation, the Department was of the view that the inclusion in the scheme of those applicants whom the Ombudsman believes are wrongly excluded would require either the extension of the scheme as approved by Government, or indeed the creation of a new scheme.
One of the Ombudsman's recommendations concerns the development of robust guidelines on the operation of future restorative or redress schemes. This recommendation, which was not directed solely to my Department, was accepted by the Department in its response to his draft report. In this respect, the Ombudsman's recommendation replicates a similar recommendation by the Comptroller and Auditor General in December 2016 in his Special Report no. 96 on the cost of the Commission on Child Abuse, which led to the Ryan Report, and to the consequent Residential Institutions Redress Scheme which are under the auspices of the Minister for Education and Skills. That report is available on the C&AG website www.audgen.gov.ie .
Now that the Ombudsman, having taken into account the Department's views, has issued his final report, the Department will give full and careful consideration to all his recommendations contained therein.
It is important to record here that to date 684 applicants to the Magdalen scheme have received their ex-gratia payments from the Vote of the Department of Justice and Equality at a cost of €25.7m. The terms of the scheme recommended by Justice Quirke included the payment of “lump” sums from €11,500 to €100,000, special access to health care, upgrading of pension entitlements to the full State Pension for those who had reached retirement age and payment of a weekly sum of €100 inclusive of other State payments to others.
The Scheme remains open to new applications.
Immigration Policy
Ceisteanna (110)
Éamon Ó Cuív
Ceist:110. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Justice and Equality when changes were made last to the conditions of eligibility for a class 3 visa; the changes made to these conditions; the reasons for the changes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51332/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I assume the Deputy's question relates to permission to be in the State, and not the grant of a visa. All non-EEA nationals residing in the State must have a valid immigration permission to remain. A permission will have certain conditions attached, for example it may be a condition that the person is not entitled to work, or a permission that allows the holder to study in the State, or that the person may work but only if he or she is in possession of an employment permit granted by the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation.
The specific conditions attaching to an immigration permission under the general heading "Stamp 3" are that the holder of a Stamp 3 permission is permitted to remain in Ireland on conditions that he or she does not enter employment, does not engage in any business or profession and does not remain later than a specified date. These conditions have not been changed. In the main, this stamp is given to visitors, tourists, spouses of work permit holders, persons receiving medical treatment, and persons volunteering in the State.
From time to time, however, in line with operational requirements, other persons may be granted a Stamp 3 type permission based on the individual circumstances attaching to that particular person's presence in the State.
If the Deputy has a particular case in mind he should write to my officials in the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) who will examine the circumstances and advise accordingly.
Garda Operations
Ceisteanna (111)
John Curran
Ceist:111. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of Garda HGV checkpoints that have been carried out on Kennelsfort Road, Palmerstown, Dublin 20 to date in 2017; the number of breaches of eight restrictions detected; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51367/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Deputy will be aware, the enforcement of road traffic legislation is an operational matter for An Garda Síochána, in which I have no direct role.
However, my Department has sought the information requested by the Deputy from the Garda authorities and I will contact the Deputy directly once this is to hand.
The deferred reply under Standing Order 42A was forwarded to the Deputy.
Garda Commissioner Appointment
Ceisteanna (112, 113)
Thomas P. Broughan
Ceist:112. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the arrangements being made to recruit a new commissioner of An Garda Síochána; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51382/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra
Róisín Shortall
Ceist:113. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans in respect of the recruitment of a new Garda commissioner; and the timeframe to which he is working. [51391/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 112 and 112 together.
The Policing Authority under section 9 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005, as amended, has responsibility for nominating persons for appointment by the Government to the post of Garda Commissioner.
This will be the first time that the new legislative process is utilised and I have consulted with the Chair of the Authority about a process to identify and appoint a permanent Commissioner to An Garda Síochána. We are agreed that it is crucial that a deliberate and considered recruitment process takes place so that the best possible candidate is appointed following a selection process. We are also agreed that an overly long delay in the appointment of a new Commissioner would not be optimal for the organisation in terms of performance and morale.
As I have previously stated the Authority commenced the groundwork for the recruitment process some time ago in advance of the formal triggering of the statutory process by Government. I am advised that the Authority has undertaken some research into aspects of the appointment and I expect to hear from the Authority shortly in relation to its views. This preparatory phase has facilitated the Authority in engaging with my Department and with the Public Appointments Service, which will undertake the competition on behalf of the Authority, in relation to the process. Importantly, it has also allowed the Authority to explore with the Commission on the Future of Policing in Ireland how it sees the future role and responsibilities of the new Commissioner. As the Deputy will be aware, the Commission is undertaking a comprehensive review of all aspects of policing in the State and has considerable experience and expertise. I very much welcome the willingness of the Commission to share its perspective with the Authority in advance of completing its work in September 2018. This will assist in ensuring that potential candidates have as much information as possible in relation to the future direction of policing in the State.
Having regard to the progress made by the Authority I would expect that the Government will be in a position to formally approve the Authority to invite the Public Appointments Service to conduct the selection process in mid-December. I would anticipate that it will take between four to six months to identify and appoint a successful candidate.
Garda Disciplinary Proceedings
Ceisteanna (114)
Róisín Shortall
Ceist:114. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his views on the announcement in November 2017 by the acting Garda Commissioner that no person is to be held accountable for the 1.9 million false breath tests; his further views on the importance of this for discipline within the Force and the right of the public to expect that Garda data is credible; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51392/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Deputy will be aware, I have previously put on record my deep concern at the serious failures of the Garda organisation in relation to mandatory alcohol testing checkpoints and fixed charge notices.
In relation to the particular issue of whether disciplinary action should be taken against individual members of An Garda Síochána arising from the mandatory alcohol testing checkpoints issues, this is solely a matter for the Garda Commissioner to decide under the Garda Síochána (Discipline) Regulations 2007.
During his public meeting with the Policing Authority on 23 November, the Commissioner apologised for the significant organisational failure and acknowledged the resulting public disquiet.
He stated that, taking into consideration that the Policing Authority examination found that the discrepancy between the PULSE figures and the devices was likely to be significantly greater than the 1.458 million figure already identified by the Garda authorities, the scale of such an investigation, its associated costs and resourcing requirement were significant factors in deciding not to undertake individual disciplinary actions. Further consideration was also given to the inevitability of legal challenges to such action, the passage of time, and associated retirements, and poor data quality, which would all have additional delay, cost or other implications.
The Commissioner also informed the Authority that the decision to take a future-focused, restorative approach allowed An Garda Síochána to focus on strategic reforms, changes to culture and embedding the Code of Ethics and performance management system, along with improving data quality.
He confirmed that he will be issuing a personal directive to all members stating that distortion of data quality and data breaches will amount to a serious disciplinary matter and could, at the most serious level, result in dismissal. The Commissioner also indicated that he would be specifically and individually writing to each Divisional manager to highlight their responsibilities in relation to supervision and accountability.
The Government established the Policing Authority to ensure oversight of policing practices, shed light on problems and identify solutions through its structured engagement with An Garda Síochána. I would draw the Deputy's attention to the Policing Authority's commentary on the Crowe Horwath report, where the Authority, in relation to this point, stated that "poor performance on a pervasive scale can seldom be appropriately addressed by disciplinary processes". The Authority further commented that the focus should be on implementing a meaningful performance management system for both Garda members and civilians in 2018, so that there is a framework for the delivery of policing plans and ensuring accountability.
The Authority went on to indicate that, unless there is prima facie evidence of either a criminal offence or a disciplinary breach having been committed, the core focus for An Garda Síochána should now be on rectifying the issues identified permanently across all dimensions, including procedures, technology, training, supervision and accountability.
I fully expect the Commissioner to urgently address the issues highlighted by myself, by Crowe Horwath and by the Policing Authority and I welcome the continuing oversight of the Policing Authority in this respect. This Government has put in place significant Garda resources, both human and financial, but, as the Policing Authority has emphasised, cultural change within An Garda Síochána is of critical importance.
This is why one of the Policing Authority’s first acts was to introduce a Garda Code of Ethics. Adherence to that code must become a fundamental part of our policing. I previously made clear to Commissioner Ó Cualáin that Garda management must ensure that all members are committed to the values the Code sets out. I am confident that he and his colleagues understand the importance of ensuring that cultural change goes hand in hand with systemic improvements. The Policing Authority has a critical role to play in supporting and overseeing this process.
Moreover, it is important to remember that the expert Commission on the Future of Policing is undertaking a significant root and branch analysis of policing in Ireland. I have no doubt that this report will inform the Commission's work to bring about the transformation of policing in this country. However, I fully acknowledge the vital work undertaken everyday by the women and men of An Garda Síochána to ensure the safety and security of the people of Ireland.
I remain dedicated to doing everything in my power as Minister, in conjunction with the Policing Authority, to ensure ethical and excellent policing, robust oversight and the modernisation of An Garda Síochána to ensure it can operate effectively and professionally in the public interest.
Residency Permits
Ceisteanna (115)
Bernard Durkan
Ceist:115. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the correct procedure to be followed in the case of a person (details supplied) who wishes to have the appropriate residency to live here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51394/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
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 which is due to expire on 21 January 2018.
The person concerned may make representations to reside in the State beyond this date to Residence Division, Unit 1, 13-14 Burgh Quay, Dublin 2.
Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to the INIS of my Department by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Questions process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in cases where the response from the INIS is, in the Deputy's view, inadequate or too long awaited.
Immigration Status
Ceisteanna (116)
Bernard Durkan
Ceist:116. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality when a decision will be reached in the case of a person (details supplied) whose case is being considered under section 3(6) of the Immigration Act 1999, as amended; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51395/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that, in response to a notification pursuant to the provisions of Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended), written representations have been submitted on behalf of the person concerned.
These representations, together with all other information and documentation on file, will be fully considered, under Section 3 (6) of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended) and all other applicable legislation, in advance of a final decision being made.
Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to the INIS of my Department by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Questions process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in cases where the response from the INIS is, in the Deputy’s view, inadequate or too long awaited.