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Tuesday, 2 Oct 2018

Written Answers Nos. 282-299

Sexual Offences Data

Ceisteanna (282)

Clare Daly

Ceist:

282. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his views on an analysis undertaken by a group (details supplied) that shows a 77% increase in violent crimes against sex workers since the enactment Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Act 2017. [39752/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Act was enacted on 22 February 2017. Part 4 of the Act, which was commenced on 27 March 2017, provides for two new offences of purchasing sexual services in the context of prostitution. The purpose of these offences is to target the demand for prostitution. The part of the Act dealing with the purchase of sex is due to be reviewed in 2020, which review will include an assessment of the impact on the welfare of those who engage in sexual activity for payment, as well as statistics on prosecutions and convictions.

In relation to the Deputy's query, my officials have received a report from the group in question, which relates to crime reported to that group. I would encourage anyone who has been the subject of a violent crime, to report that incident to An Garda Síochána, and for any group with evidence of such crimes to present any data to An Garda Síochána.

The group has been given the opportunity to submit detailed proposals for funding for further research into the issue, with any such research expected to inform the aforementioned review.

Garda Transport Data

Ceisteanna (283)

Catherine Connolly

Ceist:

283. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of vehicles allocated to each Garda divisional drugs unit in 2017 and to date in 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39770/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

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 Commissioner in light of his identified operational demands and the availability of resources. As Minister, I have no direct role in that matter.

I have asked the Garda Commissioner for the specific information requested and when it is received I will write directly to the Deputy.

The following deferred reply was received under Standing Order 42A
I refer to Parliamentary Question No. 283 for answer on 2 October 2018 in which the Deputy requested the number of vehicles allocated to each Garda divisional drugs unit in 2017 and to date in 2018.
The Deputy will recall that the information you requested could not be obtained in the time available, and I undertook to contact you again when the information was to hand.
As the Deputy will be aware, 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, in addition to the investment of almost €30 million in the period 2013 to 2015. In total in the period 2013 - 2017, almost €44 million has been invested in the fleet with some 2,000 vehicles coming on stream to ensure that Gardaí can be mobile, visible and responsive on the roads and in the community to prevent and tackle crime.
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 Commissioner in light of his identified operational demands and the availability of resources. As Minister, I have no direct role in that matter. I understand however that Garda management keeps the distribution of resources under continual review in the context of crime trends and policing priorities so as to ensure their optimum use.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that specific information regarding the duties being carried out by individual Garda fleet vehicles is not recorded centrally. Responsibility for the efficient deployment of all official vehicles in each Division is assigned to the Divisional Officer, who may allocate vehicles between districts and stations as required by operational requirements.
I am advised that Divisional Drugs Units utilise unmarked cars. As such the Deputy may wish to be aware that 117 new unmarked vehicles were allocated to the fleet in 2017 and 83 new unmarked vehicles were allocated to the fleet up to 2 October 2018.
I hope this information is of assistance.

Garda Training

Ceisteanna (284)

Catherine Connolly

Ceist:

284. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the estimated cost in a full year to increase the An Garda Síochána training budget by 15%; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39771/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Deputy will be aware that the Garda Commissioner is the Accounting Officer for the Garda Vote and as such is responsible for the effective and efficient use of the resources at his disposal. Those resources have reached unprecedented levels, with an allocation for 2018 of more than €1.6 billion.

I have asked the Garda Commissioner for the specific information requested and when it is received I will write directly to the Deputy.

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

Garda Recruitment

Ceisteanna (285)

Thomas P. Broughan

Ceist:

285. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the estimated cost of recruiting an extra five analysts at HEO level for the Garda cybercrime unit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39779/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As the Deputy will appreciate, in accordance with the Garda Síochána Act 2005, it is the Garda Commissioner who is responsible for carrying on and managing and controlling generally the administration and business of An Garda Síochána, including by arranging for the recruitment and training of the members of An Garda Síochána. Further, the allocation of Garda resources is a matter for the Commissioner, in light of the availability of resources and his identified operational demands. As Minister I have no direct role in these matters.

I have been informed by the Garda authorities that the estimated full year cost to An Garda Síochána of employing an additional five analysts at Higher Executive Officer, HEO, level within the cyber-crime unit is approximately €289,501. This is based on the mid-point of the HEO pay scale currently in effect from 1 October 2018 and an estimate of employer’s PRSI.

Criminal Prosecutions Data

Ceisteanna (286)

Róisín Shortall

Ceist:

286. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of prosecutions for unauthorised possession of prescription drugs that have taken place in the past 12 months by Garda division; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39789/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I wish to inform the Deputy that it is not possible to provide the data sought in the time available for reply. I have requested a report from the Garda Authorities in relation to the matter and I will revert to the Deputy when the report is to hand.

Garda Data

Ceisteanna (287)

Róisín Shortall

Ceist:

287. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of community gardaí in each Garda district; the population served by each district; and the way in which these staffing levels compare with the same period in 2008. [39790/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

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.

Community policing is at the heart of An Garda Síochána. It provides a means of recognising that every community – both urban and rural – has its own concerns and expectations. That is why it is important to recognise that the role of a community Garda is not a specialist role in An Garda Síochána; rather it is the case that all Gardaí have a role to play in community policing in carrying out their duties. The official categorisation as a Community Garda simply refers to those who are exclusively assigned to building relationships with local communities and civil society including giving talks to schools, community groups and others. It is a matter for the Divisional Chief Superintendent to determine the optimum distribution of duties among the personnel available to him or her having regard to the profile of the area and its specific needs.

The information requested by the Deputy in relation to the population served by each Garda District is not readily available in my Department as the recording of the population by area is a matter for the Central Statistics Office.

The material is not compiled in such a manner as to allow me to provide you with the number of Community Gardaí in each district, by way of assistance the information in relation to the number of Community Gardaí by Division in each of the years from 2008 to 31 August 2018, the latest date for which figures are currently available as provided by the Garda Commissioner, is available on my Department’s website through the link below.

www.justice.ie/en/JELR/005_Community_Garda_Strength_2008_to_31_August_2018.xlsx/Files/005_Community_Garda_Strength_2008_to_31_August_2018.xlsx.

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

Drugs Dealing

Ceisteanna (288)

Róisín Shortall

Ceist:

288. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if his attention has been drawn to the widespread availability of cocaine, including crack cocaine in many communities; and if he will report on the Garda strategy to address this matter. [39791/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I wish to advise the Deputy that I have requested a report from the Garda authorities in relation to this matter and I will further advise in this regard when the report is to hand.

In the interim, the Deputy may be interested in the Forensic Science Ireland Annual Report for 2017 which is available on their website www.forensicscience.ie. It is stated in the report that the percentage of cases analysed containing powder, usually cocaine, increased from 25% in 2016 to 30% in 2017.

The report also states that no major shift in purity has been noted to date in 2018. A full report on purity levels will be issued later this year.

The continued disruption of the supply of all illicit drugs remains a priority for An Garda Síochána and the other state agencies tasked with responsibilities in this regard. An Garda Síochána remains resolute in its determination to act against those within society who pose a significant threat to the welfare and well-being of our citizens and the communities they serve. A core focus of the work carried out by An Garda Síochána is aimed at tackling drugs and organised crime.

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

Garda Youth Diversion Projects

Ceisteanna (289)

Róisín Shortall

Ceist:

289. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Justice and Equality when he expects to receive the audit of cases being carried out into the juvenile diversion programme; and if same will be published at an early date. [39792/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As the Deputy is aware, a number of issues which impact on the effective administration of the Garda Diversion Programme were identified following the completion, in June 2017, of an examination by the Garda Professional Services Unit, GPSU. The Garda authorities subsequently initiated a comprehensive review of all youth referrals between 2010 and 2017 and a review team was tasked with coordinating this work, which covers all of the 28 Garda divisions.

I can assure the Deputy of my concern that these issues are thoroughly addressed. These matters have also been highlighted in correspondence from the Minister, Deputy Flanagan, to the Policing Authority, in the context of their oversight role of An Garda Síochána, and the Deputy will be aware that the Policing Authority have indicated their intention to engage further with the Garda authorities in this matter. My Department has recently received a further update on the progress of the review, and the final report of the review team will be provided to the Commissioner in the coming weeks, and I expect to see full details of the report at this time.

Departmental Funding

Ceisteanna (290)

Niamh Smyth

Ceist:

290. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the funding available in a case (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39884/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I regret to inform the Deputy that my Department does not operate a funding programme in the case referred to by the Deputy.

Domestic Violence Incidence

Ceisteanna (291)

Catherine Connolly

Ceist:

291. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Justice and Equality further to Parliamentary Question No. 601 of 17 April 2018, his plans in relation to a SAVI II report on foot of the report of the scoping group received in April 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39891/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The scoping group was established by my Department to consider the availability of data and make recommendations on a study to identify the prevalence of sexual abuse and violence in Ireland today, as well as any emerging trends. The group has completed a draft report. Work is currently underway to resolve some technical issues before proposals can be considered by Government. I plan to bring such proposals to Government in the coming weeks. Once the report has been considered by Government, it will be possible to be more specific about its recommendations.

Immigration Status

Ceisteanna (292)

Joan Collins

Ceist:

292. Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if a permission letter will issue to a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39942/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service, INIS, of my Department that the person concerned entered the State on 24 August 2016 following his application under the working holiday and internship programme - Ireland's working holiday agreement, WHA, with Canada. I understand this permission expired on 24 August, 2018.

Insofar as the question's reference to an extension is concerned, I would draw the Deputy's attention to the specific wording in this bilateral Agreement, as published on www.dfa.ie, which states that "... permission to those entering Ireland on the Working Holiday Authorisation shall be valid for a maximum of twenty four (24) months from the date of entry into Ireland [and that] extensions to the period of validity of such permission shall not be granted. Participants must leave Ireland on the expiration of their permission which cannot be extended, either under the authorisation itself, or through attempting to convert it to a different form of immigration status."

In view of the terms of the WHA, the Deputy will appreciate that I am not in a position to grant permission beyond this date. In addition, pursuant to the Immigration Act, 2004, a non-national may not be in the State other than within the terms of any permission given to the person concerned by the Minister for Justice and Equality.

I am further informed it remains open to the person concerned to re-enter the State at a future date in line with a range of immigration pathways that may be available to him including under the work permit system operated by the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation. Further information can be obtained from www.inis.gov.ie or www.dbei.gov.ie.

Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to the INIS of my Department by email 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 Information and Communications Technology

Ceisteanna (293)

Thomas P. Broughan

Ceist:

293. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the status of the short-term measure taken by the Garda IT section in developing a report that will allow Garda personnel on the ground search for disqualified drivers in a particular geographical area, which would assist local gardaí to ensure that drivers are not driving while disqualified; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39986/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I have requested a report from An Garda Síochána in relation to the matter referred to by the Deputy, and I will be in contact with the Deputy again on receipt of a Garda report.

Crime Prevention

Ceisteanna (294)

John Curran

Ceist:

294. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his views on the National Conference of the Joint Agency Response to Crime's recent review of three anti-offending projects (details supplied) that seek to deal with offenders; his plans to roll out these projects nationally; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40052/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The joint agency response to crime, JARC, is a multi-agency initiative which aims to:

- Develop and strengthen a multi-agency approach to the management of prolific offenders;

- Prioritise such offenders for targeted interventions and supports to address their behaviour; and

- Reduce crime and victimisation in local communities.

JARC provides an intensive and highly collaborative approach to the supervision and rehabilitation of prolific offenders in particular areas of Dublin and beyond by An Garda Síochána, the Probation Service and the Irish Prison Service, with strong and direct support from my Department.

Under each JARC programme, the three aforementioned agencies work closely together to identify the offenders causing most harm in a particular area and to agree structured interventions to help these individuals move away from re-offending. The JARC programmes thus offer tailored supports and practical help to participants with addiction, educational, training or other needs, and are implemented with the assistance and expertise of other State agencies as well as community-based organisations.

JARC participants are closely monitored by the relevant agencies at all times. Any negative behaviour, and particular any further offending, is quickly detected and dealt with through effective inter-agency co-operation.

JARC was first piloted under three Dublin-based programmes for adult offenders, as follows:

- STRIVE: This programme is aimed at persons with a history of causing high levels of harm or disruption to a designated area of north Dublin.

- Change Works: This programme is aimed at persons across the Dublin Metropolitan Region who have a history of violent offending.

- ACER 3: This programme is aimed at persons in the Garda districts of Kevin Street and Tallaght who have a repeated and prolific history of burglary.

Independent evaluations have now been completed on the three pilot JARC programmes, along with a comparative ‘desktop’ review, by an expert internal group, of those three evaluations. The findings from these evaluations and from the desktop review were presented at the first JARC National Conference on 25 September. While it is difficult to draw definitive conclusions given the relatively small numbers of programme participants and short measurement timeframes, all the indications are that the pilot programmes have helped to reduce both the frequency and severity of reoffending and, furthermore, have helped some participants to move completely away from crime. For example, the evaluations indicate that during the period under review:

- 37% of Change Works participants did not reoffend;

- Almost 30% of STRIVE participants did not reoffend;

- 15% of ACER 3 participants did not reoffend, with a reduction in offending noted among a further 45% of participants.

Further information, including detailed statistical information, on the pilot projects can be found in the report of the desktop review, which is available on my Department's website and that of An Garda Síochána.

In 2017, the ACER 3 programme was extended to a further three regional locations: Dundalk, Waterford and Limerick. In addition, a pilot Youth J-ARC initiative, aimed at 16-21 year olds, was launched in July 2017 in locations in Cork and west Dublin.

My Department and the three key agencies are working together on a standardised JARC evaluation framework to bring greater consistency across the programmes in such matters as selection and de-selection criteria, allocation of resources, measurement of harm, costs and benefits, and data gathering. This, along with increased participant numbers and programme durations, will enable more robust analysis and evaluation of the JARC programmes individually, comparatively and collectively. This, in turn, will help to inform operational decisions on the continuation and further expansion of JARC in the future as resources permit and subject to evidence of its sustained effectiveness.

Closed-Circuit Television Systems

Ceisteanna (295)

John Curran

Ceist:

295. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the reason for the low number of community-based CCTV systems that have been approved; the cause of the low number of applications and approvals; if the scheme will be reviewed in view of the fact that only €166,749 out of an allocation of €2 million has been drawn down by the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40054/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

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 three years with funding of some €1 million being made available each year.

Community CCTV is governed by section 38 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005 and the Garda Síochána, CCTV, Order 2006, SI No 289 of 2006. This legal framework requires that any proposed community CCTV scheme must be approved by the local Joint Policing Committee:

- have the authorisation of the Garda Commissioner, and

- have the prior support of the relevant local authority, which must also act as data controller.

This is the legal basis for all community CCTV schemes, regardless of whether or not grant funding is sought from my Department to assist in their establishment.

I can inform the Deputy that the number of applications to the scheme and funds approved have both increased: There have to date been 27 applications to the scheme. 19 applications have been approved, with grant aid totalling more than €453,000 already approved, from the total €1 million available for 2018. A further five applications to the scheme are currently being assessed and considered. The remaining three applications have been returned to the applicants concerned to enable them to supply the information necessary to qualify for grant aid.

It is important to note that in establishing the grant-aid scheme, the Department consulted broadly including with the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner, An Garda Síochána and the Office of the Attorney General as well as with stakeholders including County and City Management Association, CCMA, Local Government Management Agency, LGMA, Irish Rural Link as well as interested community groups. The application process and documentation were also streamlined, compared to the earlier community CCTV grant aid scheme operated by Pobal, on behalf of the Department.

Nonetheless and in response to the queries from some groups and local authorities, my officials continue to engage on the matter in particular through the LGMA and the CCMA, to address any concerns and clarify any queries arising.

The Deputy may also wish to be aware that the Data Protection Commissioner’s Office has confirmed as recently as May of this year that it does not have any concerns on the legislative basis for CCTV. However it is currently conducting an audit of the practice, operation and governance of CCTV. We expect findings from this process to be of great assistance to local authorities as they carry out their function of data controller.

As I have said in the past, 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. 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 total of €40,000. Full details of the grant aid package are available to download from my Department's website - www.justice.ie and support and guidance is available to help interested groups to apply for this funding through a dedicated email address communitycctv@justice.ie

Garda Transport Expenditure

Ceisteanna (296)

Maureen O'Sullivan

Ceist:

296. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if funding will be made available later in 2018 to purchase additional Garda mountain bikes. [40092/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Deputy will be aware that there has been very significant investment in Garda resources in recent years. With regard to the Garda fleet, the Government's Capital Plan 2016 – 2021 provides for an investment of €46 million, to ensure that An Garda Síochána has a modern, effective and fit-for-purpose fleet, in addition to the investment of almost €30 million made in the fleet in the period 2013 to 2015.

As the Deputy will appreciate, decisions in relation to the provision and allocation of Garda resources 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 role in the matter.

In that regard, I understand that Garda management keeps the distribution of resources under continual review in the context of crime trends and policing priorities, to ensure their optimum use.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that 30 mountain bikes have been purchased in 2018. I am informed that there are no plans to purchase any further mountain bikes this year.

Immigration Status

Ceisteanna (297)

Maureen O'Sullivan

Ceist:

297. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if his attention has been drawn to the situation faced by a person (details supplied) who is unable to work due to an issue related to a visa; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40097/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service, INIS, of my Department that a request from the person concerned for permission to reside in the State was received on 6 June, 2018.

The Deputy will appreciate that applications are dealt with in chronological order. I am also informed that any information and documentary evidence provided will be taken into consideration and INIS will be in contact with the person concerned, in writing, in due course.

Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to the INIS of my Department by email 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.

Departmental Expenditure

Ceisteanna (298)

Charlie McConalogue

Ceist:

298. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the cost of his Department's stand at the National Ploughing Championships 2018; the number of staff deployed from his Department for the week; and the cost of same. [40356/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

While there was no main Departmental stand, a number of agencies under the remit of my Department with specific operational responsibilities, had stands at the Ploughing Championship or were present at stands, reflecting the broad range of work carried out in the Justice sector.

The Legal Aid Board, the Insolvency Service of Ireland, the Property Services Regulatory Authority, and An Garda Síochána, were present. Both the Legal Aid Board and the Insolvency Service of Ireland had stands in the tent of the Citizens Information Board, and so did not incur the cost of a separate tent. The Property Services Regulatory Authority was one of eight agencies present in the National Property and Land Information Centre at the Ploughing Championships, with costs to be split between those agencies.

I myself attended the Ploughing Championships on 20 and 21 September and on the 20 September, was accompanied by two of my advisors and my private secretary. Two staff from the Department's Press and Communications Office were also present on that day as part of their normal duties in connection with publicising the work of the Department and agencies under its remit.

Details of attendance by the agencies mentioned are outlined below for the Deputy's information. All staff in question are entitled to travel and subsistence payments in connection with their attendance in line with civil service guidelines.

Full details of the costs associated with Garda attendance, including in respect of staffing, has yet to be collated by An Garda Síochána.

While promotional materials used were in some cases met from within existing resources, material to the estimated value of €2,500 relating to the Blueblindfold Campaign against human trafficking was contributed by my Department to the An Garda Síochána stand, while in the case of the Insolvency Service of Ireland, €2,034.41 was paid for promotional material and the cost of artwork for a banner.

Legal Aid Board

Tuesday 18 September: 1x Assistant Principal, 1 x Legal Clerk, 1 x Clerical Officer

Thursday 20 September: 1 x Legal Clerk, 3 x Clerical Officer

Friday 21 September: 1x Assistant Principal, 1 x Clerical Officer

Property Services Regulatory Authority

A total of eight staff attended over the three day event, 3 COs, 1 EO and 4 HEOs.

Insolvency Service of IrelandFive members of staff attended (two per day) including 1 staff member at Executive Officer Grade and 4 staff at Clerical Officer Grade,

Visa Applications

Ceisteanna (299)

Jim O'Callaghan

Ceist:

299. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the status of a visa application by a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39671/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The person concerned is currently the holder of a Working Holiday Authorisation, WHA. The WHA scheme is operated by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. A person who holds a WHA is required to obtain a permission from the Minister for Justice and Equality to enter, reside and work, under the terms of the WHA, in the State. Under the terms of the WHA it is not possible to apply for an employment permit whilst in the State.

Therefore, the terms of the WHA preclude the person named concerned from being eligible to apply for an employment permit.

The foreign national may consider submitting an application for an employment permit from outside the State, on foot of an eligible job offer, which will be considered subject to the usual criteria applying under the Employment Permits Acts and Regulations.

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