Tuesday, 18 Sep 2018

Written Answers Nos. 240-264

Schools Building Projects

Ceisteanna (240)

Joan Burton

Ceist:

240. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of building contractors that have indicated their interest in tendering for a new school (details supplied) in County Kildare by the closing date of 10 September 2018; the length of time the pre-qualification report will take to complete; if tenders for the project from the shortlist of contractors will be invited by 9 November 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37807/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education and Skills

The major building project referred to by the Deputy is currently at Stage 2b – Detailed Design.

This project was authorised to commence the Pre-Qualification of Contractors in May 2018. My Department has been informed that the Design Team Leader published the contract notice inviting contractors to tender for Pre-Qualification on e-tenders on 2 August 2018 with a closing date for receipt of submissions of 10 September 2018. 12 expressions of interest have been received. The pre-qualification and shortlisting of suitable contractors normally takes between 8 and 12 weeks to complete.

When pre-qualification is complete the project will then be progressed to tender stage. A tender stage normally takes between 7 and 8 months to complete.

In March 2018 my Department issued a letter to the school and its Design Team outlining the projected timeframe for the progression of this project to tender and construction stage and the steps involved.

Schools Building Projects

Ceisteanna (241)

Joan Burton

Ceist:

241. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Education and Skills the outcome of a visit to a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; if it has been agreed that a new school is required; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37810/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education and Skills

As the Deputy is aware, a building project for the school to which she refers is included in my Department's 6 Year Construction Programme. In the context of progressing the building project, my Department has recently undertaken a technical site visit to the school. The outcome of the site visit will be considered and this will determine how the accommodation needs of the school will be met.

Teacher Recruitment

Ceisteanna (242)

Seán Haughey

Ceist:

242. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Education and Skills the estimated full-year cost of appointing 200 principal posts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37827/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education and Skills

There is a 11 point scale payable to principal teachers employed in primary schools and a 17 point scale payable to Principals of post primary schools. The scale payable to primary principals currently varies in value from €9,310 to €29,776. The scale payable to principal teachers in post primary schools varies in value from €9,310 to €42,469. This allowance is paid in addition to the teachers basic salary.

Further details on the scales are outlined in Circular 4/2010 which can be accessed on my Departments' website.

The cost of appointing 200 principal teachers in primary schools at the various points on the scale currently ranges from €1.9 million to €6 million per annum. The cost of appointing 200 principal teachers in post primary schools at the various points on the scale ranges from €1.9 million to €8.5 million per annum.

Education and Training Boards

Ceisteanna (243)

Thomas P. Broughan

Ceist:

243. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Education and Skills when he last met the chief executive officer and chairperson of the City of Dublin Education and Training Board; when he will next meet the chief executive officer and chairperson of the board; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37840/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education and Skills

There are a number of means by which engagement takes place between the Minister and Department with Education and Training Boards (ETBs).

For example, the Secretary General of my Department holds a formal forum which is attended by the Chief Executives of the 16 ETBs as well as SOLAS and ETBI approximately twice a year.

Chairpersons of ETBs are also required to report formally to me as Minister on a range of matters.

As well as these, and other regular formal reporting requirements in relation to governance and funding matters, officials from a number of sections within the Department engage with ETBs on a daily basis.

In relation to City of Dublin ETB in May 2017 my office received correspondence from the Chairperson and responded to the queries raised at that time.

Education and Training Boards Ireland (ETBI) is the body which collectively represents ETBs. Several sections of my Department are involved with ETBI and engagement can take place either directly with the relevant ETBI personnel or through liaison with ETBI’s various networks, for example the Chief Executives Forum or the Directors Forums.

The annual conference of ETBI is attended by ETB Chairpersons and other board members, among others. This year, I have again been asked to speak at the ETBI conference, which takes place on 26th and 27th September, and I look forward to using that occasion as an opportunity to meet ETB officials and Board members, including those in attendance from City of Dublin ETB.

Departmental Administrative Arrangements

Ceisteanna (244)

Catherine Martin

Ceist:

244. Deputy Catherine Martin asked the Minister for Education and Skills his plans to move to a system of digital or paperless payslips for teachers in view of the fact it is perceived that the current system is outdated and adds unnecessary costs and burden on his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37841/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education and Skills

There are 120,000 staff paid on a fortnightly basis on the payrolls operated by my Department. The primary objective is to ensure that the staff are paid on time and correctly.

It is my Department’s aim to provide more services online for school employees.

The provision of a self-service facility where it will be possible for staff to access their payslips is included as part of the upgrading and modernisation of the schools employees payroll project which is being progressed at present.

Currently, ETB payroll is delivered through 16 local payroll processing locations and the aim of the ongoing ETB Payroll Shared Services project is to consolidate the payroll function across multiple sites into a single shared services environment in the Education Shared Business Services (ESBS) Centre. Following the finalisation of a detailed procurement process, a contract was signed in May 2018 with CoreHR for the provision of a payroll and TandS system. This system will be used to run the payroll function for all ETBs once the ESBS Centre goes live in 2019. Ultimately, this new system will pay the 27,000 payees that are currently being paid by 16 ETBs across Ireland. The migration of each of the 16 ETB payroll functions will happen in waves with the first of these migration waves due to take place in 2019. As each of the 16 ETB payrolls migrate to the ESBS Centre all their employees will have access to online payslips only.

Education and Training Boards

Ceisteanna (245)

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

245. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the current and-or expected progress in the context of the completion of the works at a campus (details supplied), with particular reference to reviving the contracts in such a way as to achieve a completion date within reasonable distance of the originally anticipated date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37842/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education and Skills

Kildare Wicklow Education and Training Board has recently requested expressions of interest for the completion of the project to which the Deputy refers. These expression of interest will now inform the pre-qualification process that is underway. The project remains on target to issue documents to the relevant contractors on 8th November which is the date that had been identified in the agreed programme for completion of these projects.

Schools Building Projects

Ceisteanna (246)

Martin Heydon

Ceist:

246. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Education and Skills when a design team will be appointed for a planned extension to a school (details supplied) in County Kildare. [37868/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education and Skills

The project referred to by the Deputy, has been devolved to Kildare Wicklow Education and Training Board (KWETB) for delivery. KWETB is making arrangements for the appointment of a design team. It is too early at this stage to provide a timeline for completion of this process.

Coroners Service

Ceisteanna (247)

Peter Burke

Ceist:

247. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the reason there is no separate county coroner for County Westmeath but instead the coroner who covers County Offaly must also carry out the County Westmeath role; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37108/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice and Equality

On the retirement of the Coroner for County Westmeath in June 2018, the duties of Coroner for County Westmeath were assigned to the acting Coroner for County Offaly. Previously, the coroners for Offaly and Westmeath had acted as each other's Deputy Coroner.

Both local authorities are in agreement with the new arrangement.

The position whereby one Coroner has responsibility for two coronial districts in different local authority areas is not an unusual one. A similar situation pertains in both Cavan/Monaghan and Sligo/Leitrim. In proposing such an arrangement both Councils concerned were consulted, with the respective workloads in each district and, of course, the willingness of the coroner to act being taken into account.

Closed-Circuit Television Systems

Ceisteanna (248)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Ceist:

248. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of applicants to the community CCTV grant aid scheme since it launched; the number of such applicants that have been approved for funding; the number of approved applicants that have received funding to date for CCTV systems; and the amount of this funding by county in tabular form. [37113/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice and Equality

The Deputy will be aware that the Programme for a Partnership Government commits to supporting investment in CCTV systems. In pursuance of this commitment, a grant-aid scheme was launched by my Department in 2017 to assist groups in the establishment of community-based CCTV systems in their local areas. It is intended that the scheme will run for 3 years with funding of some €1 million being made available each year.

Under the scheme, eligible community groups can apply for grant-aid of up to 60% of the total capital cost of a proposed CCTV system, up to a maximum grant of €40,000.

Systems funded under this scheme supplement the existing network of CCTV systems in operation in the State.

The Department receives a regular flow of enquiries regarding the scheme from a broad spectrum of the public. There have been 27 applications to the scheme to date, including 13 applications received this month. 6 applications have been approved to date. 18 applications are being assessed. The remaining 3 applications have been returned to the applicants concerned, to enable them to supply the information necessary to qualify for grant aid.

Details of the counties in which successful applications have been based and the funding approved are included in the following table.

County	Number of Applications	Approved Funding
Wicklow	1	€40,000.00
Wexford	3	€77,914.51
Sligo	1	€8,835.00
Leitrim	1	€40,000.00
Total	6	€166,749.51

Full details of the grant aid package are available to download from my Department's website www.justice.ie.

I am keen to ensure that all interested groups, in both rural and urban areas, have the opportunity to take advantage of the availability of this grant-aid scheme. I encourage any interested groups to make contact with my Department with any queries or if they require assistance in making an application to the scheme. A dedicated email address is available for that purpose [e-mail].

Court Accommodation Refurbishment

Ceisteanna (249)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Ceist:

249. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the status of an action (details supplied) under the Action Plan for Rural Development; the timeline for completion of remaining courthouses in which works are planned; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37120/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice and Equality

In 2012, the construction or extension/refurbishment of seven courthouses under the Courts Public Private Partnership Bundle was included as part of the €2.25 billion Government’s Infrastructure Stimulus programme and I am delighted to inform the Deputy that all seven courthouses have now been completed.

During 2017 and 2018 work progressed on all seven sites. Drogheda Courthouse was completed in June 2017, followed by Letterkenny Courthouse in November 2017, Wexford Courthouse in December 2017, Limerick Courthouse in February 2018 and Waterford Courthouse in March 2018. Cork Courthouse was completed in May 2018 and Mullingar Courthouse in July 2018 with the official opening of Mullingar Courthouse to occur in the coming weeks.

This project has delivered significantly improved facilities for court users in each location. As well as increasing the number of courtrooms at each location, new facilities including vulnerable witness suites, victim support rooms, legal practitioners rooms, enhanced custody facilities, jury reception rooms, consultation rooms and other support facilities have been delivered. The courthouses are also fully accessible.

In terms of scale, the Courts Public Private Partnership Bundle project is the largest capital building project ever undertaken by the Courts Service, delivering a total of 31 courtrooms and 36,000 m2 of accommodation nationwide. The total capital cost of the Courts PPP Bundle is approximately €149.9 million. An estimated 700 workers were employed across all sites during the construction period, with on-site employment peaking at circa 950 during Summer 2017.

Proposed Legislation

Ceisteanna (250, 304)

Thomas P. Broughan

Ceist:

250. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality when he will bring forward legislation to prohibit the use of scramblers, quad bikes and other off-road mechanical vehicles in parks and amenity areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37602/18]

Thomas P. Broughan

Ceist:

304. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality when he will bring forward legislation to enable An Garda Síochána to seize scramblers, quad bikes and other off-road mechanical vehicles from those using them on roads and in parks and amenity areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37601/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice and Equality

I propose to take Questions Nos. 250 and 304 together.

I have emphasised my concerns on the Dáil record on several occasions in relation to the misuse of scramblers and quad bikes and the serious threat that these vehicles can pose to local communities. I thank the Deputy for his shared interest in this serious public safety concern.

My Department has consulted with a considerable number of Government Departments and public bodies over the past number of months to identify a number of relevant pieces of legislation, which have been brought to the attention of the Attorney Generals' Office, to determine whether any legislative amendments are necessary to assist in curbing activity insofar as scramblers and quad bikes are concerned, without giving rise to any unintended negative legislative consequences. I will be happy to provide the Deputy with a further update on this matter on receipt of a detailed consideration of this issue from the Attorney General's Office.

My officials are engaged in further consultations with local authorities and local community groups in the context of the positive engagement fostered by local authorities with local communities, such as the provision of a designated area where such vehicles could be used in a safe environment. In this regard, my Department participates in the taskforce on this issue established by the Dublin local authorities, which met on 21 June and, most recently, on 13 September 2018.

An important element of this issue is the misuse of scramblers and quad bikes by minors. The supply of mechanically propelled vehicles to persons under 16 and 17 (depending on the vehicle) constitute offences under Section 30 of the Road Traffic Act 2004.

I remain committed to actively supporting any positive actions that can be pursued to counteract the serious public safety issues associated with the misuse of scramblers and quad bikes.

Ministerial Advisers Data

Ceisteanna (251)

Alan Kelly

Ceist:

251. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the political advisers being used by senior and junior Ministers in his Department since the commencement of this Government; the commencement dates of the employment of each; and the cessation dates of same employment in cases in which that applies. [36702/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice and Equality

Ms. Sarah Kavanagh and Ms. Caroline Murphy are appointed as Special Advisors in my Department. Ms. Kavanagh was appointed on 15 June 2017, following my appointment as Minister for Justice and Equality. Ms. Murphy was appointed on 10 April, 2018, replacing Mr. Tom Fabozzi who served as a Special Advisor in my Department from 15 June 2017 until 06 April 2018.

Having regard to the significant legislative programme that I am responsible for, Mr. Robert Bourke BL was appointed to the position of Legal Advisor in my Department on 05 March 2018.

There are no Special Advisors appointed to Minister of State in my Department, Mr. David Stanton T.D.

During the period of office in the current Government of the former Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality, Frances Fitzgerald TD, the following Special Advisors were engaged: Ms. Marion Mannion, Mr. Stephen O’Shea and Mr. Matthew Lynch. All were appointed in May 2016 and served in their respective roles until June 2017.

Mr. Pat Breen T.D. is the Minister for State for Data Protection at my Department and the Department of the Taoiseach. He is also Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise and Innovation and the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection.

Mr. Finian McGrath T.D. is the Minister of State with my Department with special responsibility for Disability issues. He is also Minister of State at the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection and the Department of Health.

The staffing arrangements in respect of both Minister of State Breen and Minister of State McGrath are the responsibility of their respective parent Departments.

Road Safety Data

Ceisteanna (252)

John Brassil

Ceist:

252. Deputy John Brassil asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of fatal accidents, serious injuries and minor injuries recorded at locations (details supplied) prior to May 2016 and from May 2016 to date in 2018, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37002/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice and Equality

I am informed by An Garda Síochána that the Garda website contains comprehensive statistics in relation to the road safety camera network, including information in relation to active, new and removed speed enforcement zones.

An Garda Síochána publishes safety camera statistics in the following format at https://www.garda.ie/en/Roads-Policing/Safety-Cameras/ (Select 'Location on the Map' option on this web page):

- Location number;

- Start and End Latitude coordinates;

- Start and End Longitude coordinates;

- Fatality statistics;

- Serious injury statistics;

- Minor injury statistics.

I welcome the publication of such data by An Garda Síochána to ensure that there is transparency in relation to the enforcement of road traffic legislation. I understand that statistics prior to 27 May 2016 are not published on the Garda website, however I will request a report from An Garda Síochána in relation to the statistics sought prior to this date and will contact the Deputy directly on receipt of the relevant Garda report.

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

Residency Permits

Ceisteanna (253)

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

253. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if and when stamp 4 will be approved in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37022/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice and Equality

I am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that there is no record of a request from the person concerned for permission to reside in the State on Stamp 4 conditions.

I am, however, further advised that INIS wrote to the person concerned on 21 August 2018 in relation to a decision to grant permission to reside in the State under Stamp 3 conditions for one year from the date of registration of the permission.

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 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 was of the Parliamentary Question process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in cases where the response from INIS is, in the Deputy's view, inadequate or too long awaited.

Residency Permits

Ceisteanna (254)

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

254. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the position in regard to residency status in the case of a person (details supplied); if they can appeal the recent decision under the aegis of the International Protection Act 2015; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37030/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice and Equality

As the Deputy is aware, if an application for asylum or subsidiary protection has been made in the State, for confidentiality reasons it is not the practice to comment on such applications and the applicant or his legal representative should contact the International Protection Office directly either by email to [e-mail], by telephone to the IPO Customer Service Centre at 01 6028008 or in writing to Customer Service Centre, International Protection Office, 79-83 Lower Mount Street, Dublin 2.

Following the commencement of the International Protection Act 2015 on 31 December 2016, new arrangements for the investigation and determination of applications for international protection (refugee status and subsidiary protection) and cases involving permission to remain in the State have been introduced. Such applications are now processed, as part of a single application procedure, by a the International Protection Office (IPO) which has replaced the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner (ORAC) from that date. The staff of that Office (the Chief International Protection Officer and International Protection Officers) are independent in the performance of their protection functions.

For your information, on 27 February 2017, the Chief International Protection Officer, following consultation with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), published a statement on the Prioritisation of Applications under the International Protection Act 2015 which is available on the website of the International Protection Office (www.ipo.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.

Deportation Orders

Ceisteanna (255)

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

255. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the progress to date in the determination of an application pursuant to section 3(6) of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended) in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37037/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice and Equality

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.

Residency Permits

Ceisteanna (256)

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

256. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if all documentation has been received in regard to an application for stamp 4 in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37052/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice and Equality

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.

Residency Permits

Ceisteanna (257)

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

257. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if the case of a person (details supplied) will be reviewed in view of the fact that the person was previously awarded stamp 4 and is making every effort in good faith to comply with requirements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37055/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice and Equality

I am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that permission to reside in the State, under Stamp 1 conditions, was granted by INIS until 21 September 2018 to facilitate the person’s pursuit of a General Work Permit with the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation.

I am further informed that INIS has no record of correspondence from the person concerned in relation to a request for extension of the permission to reside. It is, however, open to the person concerned to contact Unit 2, Domestic Residence and Permissions Division, INIS, 13/14 Burgh Quay, Dublin 2, in writing, setting out the particular circumstances. Any such request will be given detailed consideration by INIS upon receipt of the relevant information and documentary evidence from the individual concerned.

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 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 was of the Parliamentary Question process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in cases where the response from INIS is, in the Deputy's view, inadequate or too long awaited.

Deportation Orders

Ceisteanna (258)

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

258. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if the decision to deport will be reconsidered in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37057/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice and Equality

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), the person concerned has not submitted written representations.

The position in the State of the person concerned will now be decided by reference to the provisions of Section 3 (6) of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended) and all other applicable legislation. If any representations are submitted, they will be considered before a final decision is 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.

Naturalisation Applications

Ceisteanna (259)

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

259. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the progress to date in the determination of an application for naturalisation in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37058/18]

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 a certificate of naturalisation from the person referred to by the Deputy, continues to be processed and will be submitted to me for decision as expeditiously as possible.

As the Deputy will appreciate, the granting of Irish citizenship through naturalisation is a privilege and an honour which confers certain rights and entitlements not only within the State but also at European Union level and it is important that appropriate procedures are in place to preserve the integrity of the process.

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

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.

Visa Applications

Ceisteanna (260, 327)

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

260. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the correct procedure to be followed to permit the child of a person (details supplied) to come here to stay and help care for the child's parent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37059/18]

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

327. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if a visitor’s visa will be arranged in the first instance to facilitate a person's (details supplied) child's visit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37740/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice and Equality

I propose to take Questions Nos. 260 and 327 together.

I am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that a 'visit' visa application from the person referred to was created on-line on 12 September 2018. This is the first step of the visa application process.

The applicant must print off the summary sheets, sign and date it, and along with all the required supporting documentation, submit the application to the Embassy of Ireland in Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania. Full contact details are provided on the summary sheet.

The supporting documentation should include any information and documentation which the person wishes a Visa Officer to consider. In the case of a person wishing to come to Ireland to assist in a medical emergency situation, the supporting documentation should include a written recommendation from the treating physician on official headed paper. The application once submitted will be considered on its own merits.

The INIS website - www.inis.gov.ie - contains comprehensive guidelines to assist the applicant with the application process including the required documentation for each type of visa. The information contained on the website is for guidance purposes only and does not limit the discretion of the Visa Officer in dealing with individual applications.

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

Immigration Status

Ceisteanna (261)

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

261. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the status of the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37061/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice and Equality

I am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that the person concerned is the subject of a Deportation Order made on 16th December, 2010. While that Order remains valid and in place, I am advised that the person concerned has sought to be re-admitted to the international protection process. A decision has been made on that request and that decision was recently communicated by letter. The person concerned should proceed without delay to act in accordance with the direction given in that communication.

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

Garda Retirements

Ceisteanna (262)

Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire

Ceist:

262. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of gardaí who retired in each of the years 2009 to 2017. [37068/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice and Equality

I have set out in the table for the Deputy's information the number of departures from An Garda Síochána in the years 2010 to 2017 as supplied by the Commissioner. These figures include those who departed due to voluntary, compulsory, or cost neutral early retirement, resignation, death, dismissal and medical discharge.

DEPARTURES from An Garda Síochána 2010-2017

-	Com	D/Com	AC	C/Supt	Supt	Insp	Sgt	Garda	Total
2017	1	0	3	6	11	20	72	169	282
2016	0	0	2	5	6	16	64	170	263
2015	0	0	1	4	11	14	83	169	282
2014	1	0	0	4	8	15	83	180	291
2013	0	1	1	2	16	13	91	211	335
2012	0	0	1	5	19	24	119	294	462
2011	0	0	3	8	23	19	109	318	480
2010	1	0	2	3	14	8	100	279	407

Garda Deployment

Ceisteanna (263)

Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire

Ceist:

263. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of gardaí based in each Garda station in County Donegal in each of the years 2002 to 2017 and to date in 2018, in tabular form. [37069/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice and Equality

As 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 I, as Minister, have no direct role in the matter. Garda management keeps this distribution of resources under continual review in the context of crime trends and policing priorities so as to ensure that the optimum use is made of these resources.

The information requested by the Deputy as provided by the Garda Commissioner from 2009 is available on my Department’s website through the following link. http://www.justice.ie/en/JELR/002_Garda_Numbers_by_Division_District_and_Station_2009_to_31_July_2018.xlsx/Files/002_Garda_Numbers_by_Division_District_and_Station_2009_to_31_July_2018.xlsx.

For more general information on Garda Facts and Figures please see the following link: http://www.justice.ie/en/JELR/Pages/An_Garda_Siochana_facts_and_figures.

Garda Transport Data

Ceisteanna (264)

Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire

Ceist:

264. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of Garda vehicles based in each Garda station in County Donegal in each of the years 2002 to 2017 and to date in 2018, in tabular form. [37070/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice and Equality

The Deputy will be aware that there has been very significant investment in Garda resources across the State in recent years. The Government's Capital Plan 2016 – 2021 provides €46 million for investment in the Garda fleet, to ensure that An Garda Síochána has a modern, effective and fit-for-purpose fleet. This is in addition to the investment of almost €30 million in the period 2013 to 2015. Indeed in the period 2013 to the end of 2017 almost €44 million has been invested in the fleet with some 2,000 vehicles coming on stream in that period to ensure that Gardaí can be mobile, visible and responsive on the roads and in the community to prevent and tackle crime.

As the Deputy will appreciate, decisions in relation to the provision and allocation of Garda vehicles across the various Garda divisions are a matter for the Garda Commissioner in the light of his identified operational demands and the availability of resources. As Minister, I have no direct role in that matter.

I understand that Garda management keeps the distribution of resources under continual review in the context of crime trends and policing priorities so as to ensure that their optimum use. Responsibility for the efficient deployment of all official Garda vehicles in each Division is assigned to the Divisional Officer, who may allocate vehicles between districts and stations in line with operational requirements.

The following tables set out information requested by the Deputy in relation to Garda vehicles in the Donegal Division. I am advised by An Garda Síochána, that for operational reasons, this information is provided at Division and District level only. For the period 2004-2010, the information requested is available at Divisional level only. I understand that data for the fleet in Donegal Division in the period prior to 2004 is not available.

Garda Fleet per year 2004 - 2018 for Donegal Division

Year		Cars	Vans	Motorcycles	4x4	Other	Total
2018 (as at 11/9/18)	DONEGAL DIVISION TOTAL	50	14	3	3	1	71
	Ballyshannon	14	4	0	2	1	21
	Buncrana	10	2	2	0	0	14
	Letterkenny	19	6	1	0	0	26
	Milford	7	2	0	1	0	10
2017	DONEGAL DIVISION TOTAL	49	12	3	2	1	67
	Ballyshannon	13	4	1	2	1	21
	Buncrana	10	1	1	0	0	12
	Letterkenny	18	6	1	0	0	25
	Milford	8	1	0	0	0	9
2016	DONEGAL DIVISION TOTAL	53	14	3	2	0	72
	Ballyshannon	13	4	1	2	0	20
	Buncrana	11	2	1	0	0	14
	Letterkenny	19	7	1	0	0	27
	Milford	10	1	0	0	0	11
2015	DONEGAL DIVISION TOTAL	52	12	2	1	0	67
	Ballyshannon	14	3	1	1	0	19
	Buncrana	10	2	0	0	0	12
	Letterkenny	19	6	1	0	0	26
	Milford	9	1	0	0	0	10
2014	DONEGAL DIVISION TOTAL	44	11	2	1	2	60
	Ballyshannon	14	2	1	1	0	18
	Buncrana	7	2	0	0	0	9
	Letterkenny	16	5	1	0	2	24
	Milford	7	2	0	0	0	9
2013	DONEGAL DIVISION TOTAL	38	14	2	1	2	57
	Ballyshannon	13	3	0	1	0	17
	Buncrana	7	3	1	0	0	11
	Letterkenny	11	6	1	0	2	20
	Milford	7	2	0	0	0	9
2012	DONEGAL DIVISION TOTAL	42	12	3	1	2	60
	Ballyshannon	10	3	1	1	0	15
	Buncrana	8	2	1	0	0	11
	Glenties	6	1	0	0	0	7
	Letterkenny	12	5	1	0	2	20
	Milford	6	1	0	0	0	7
2011	DONEGAL DIVISION TOTAL	52	11	5	1	2	71
	Ballyshannon	10	3	1	1	0	15
	Buncrana	13	2	3	0	0	18
	Glenties	5	1	0	0	1	7
	Letterkenny	18	4	1	0	1	24
	Milford	6	1	0	0	0	7

Garda fleet for the period 2004 - 2010 for Donegal Division

Donegal Division	Cars	Vans	Motorcycle	4x4	Other	Total
2010	58	11	5	1	2	77
2009	54	13	4	1	1	73
2008	51	10	3	1	1	66
2007	48	10	3	1	1	63
2006	47	8	4	2	2	63
2005	43	6	4	3	1	57
2004	44	7	3	1	1	56