Written Answers Nos. 252-272
253. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his views on the welfare and well-being of children in direct provision centres following revelations that children there have been denied food while sick; and if his attention has been drawn to this issue. [53715/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am aware of the report in October of a sick child in an accommodation centre for whom food was not available following a request. I am informed that this was an isolated incident, but nevertheless, it is highly regrettable. The Reception and Integration Agency (RIA) addressed this incident with the contractor at the time. The manager of the centre concerned met with and apologised to the family and RIA undertook to provide additional training to staff in the centre in question.
RIA requires that all direct provision centre staff and management have regard to the best interests of the child in service delivery.
All centres under contract to RIA are required to uphold the principles of Children First and to adhere to RIA's Child Protection and Welfare Policy. The Policy states that "The safety and wellbeing of all residents, but particularly children, is our paramount concern. This Policy recognises that all children have the right to be protected from harm, treated with respect, listened to and have their views taken into consideration. This Policy recognises that RIA and centres under contract have a duty of care to all residents". This is the standard that all centre staff and management must meet when providing services to children and their families.
The remit of the Ombudsman for Children has been extended to enable him to investigate complaints relating to the treatment of children in direct provision centres.
254. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the waiting times for processing short-term visit visas in tabular form; the reason the process, which previously could be completed in 15 days, can now take up to six months; if his attention has been drawn to the distress the lengthy delays are causing for families; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53716/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have been advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that there has been an improvement in the processing times for visit visas in the New Delhi Visa Office in recent weeks and the Embassy website is being updated to reflect the new processing times for each visa category.
Visit visas are currently being processed within eight weeks of the application documents being received. It is hoped that this will be reduced further in the coming weeks. More generally, I am advised that processing times in Visa Offices may vary having regard to seasonal demands, the volume of applications received, the particular merits of individual applications, their complexity, whether the need to investigate or enquire further, and the resources available.
The Deputy can be assured that every effort is made to keep processing times to a minimum, and a number of measures have been put in place to deal with the increased demand for visas to visit Ireland. This has included the assignment of additional staff in the New Delhi Visa Office to help process these applications, and more generally the streamlining of visa processing where possible. The position in this regard continues to be kept under review.
255. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of applications for citizenship being processed; the number of active applications being processed for more than one, two, three and five years, respectively; the average waiting time per application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53721/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that the number of applications for naturalisation currently on hand, by year of application for each of the years 2015 - 2018 inclusive and 2014 and earlier is as follows:
|
Year of Application |
2014 and earlier |
2015 |
2016 |
2017 |
2018 to date |
Total |
|
Applications currently on hand |
368 |
201 |
761 |
2,773 |
8,705 |
12,808 |
It should be noted that almost 90% of the applications were made this year and last. The numbers of the cases on hands will always include a cohort of cases where a decision has been made and the applicant has been notified of same, but where the applicant has yet to swear their oath of fidelity to the nation and loyalty to the State and be granted their certificate of naturalisation at a citizenship ceremony arranged for the purpose.
It is recognised that all applicants for citizenship would wish to have a decision on their application without delay. While INIS endeavours that most straightforward cases are processed to a decision within six months, this target has to be seen in the context of the work involved in dealing with volumes of applications, some of which can be very complex in nature, and the need to ensure that each applicant fulfils the statutory conditions for naturalisation. The nature of the naturalisation process is such that, for a broad range of reasons, some cases can take longer than others to process. In some instances, completing the necessary checks may take a considerable period of time. As outlined, even where a decision may be made, the certificate cannot be issued until the applicant attends a citizenship ceremony arranged for the purpose of swearing the oath of allegiance before a judge. In the circumstances it is not possible to give any meaningful average processing time per application.
Processing timescales can often be impacted due to further documentation being required from the applicant, or payment of the required certificate fee being awaited, or the applicant not engaging with the office. In some instances the applicant themselves may request that a hold be put on their application, for example, where they may have returned to their country of origin for a prolonged period, to facilitate them in making arrangements to return to reside in the State, or where they have difficulty in obtaining satisfactory evidence of their identity or nationality. In other instances issues can arise at the final stage of the naturalisation process, for example, where additional information comes to light which requires to be considered before a final decision is taken.
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 as well as international level. It is therefore important that appropriate procedures are in place to ensure that the integrity of the regime for granting Irish citizenship through the naturalisation process is held in high regard both at home and internationally.
INIS devotes a considerable amount of its overall resources to the processing of these cases. It also operates a dedicated phone helpline and email helpdesk available for all applicants to enable queries to be dealt with, including the progress of their application. Details are available on the INIS website at www.inis.gov.ie
256. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he has recently received a security report on Northern Ireland. [53433/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am kept informed on a regular basis by my officials and by senior officers from an Garda Síochána on the security situation in Northern Ireland.
The primary security threat is from republican paramilitary groups; the so-called ‘dissident’ groups. While they have become somewhat factionalised over time, they still present a real and persistent threat. The shared assessment of the threat in Northern Ireland is that it remains 'Severe' (that is to say, a terrorist attack is highly likely). The dissident paramilitary groups continue to focus their efforts primarily on targeting members of the security forces in Northern Ireland, as evidenced tragically in recent years by the murders of NI Prison Officers Alan Black and Adrian Ismay, and a number of attempts to murder PSNI constables, including in July in Derry when a number of shots were fired at the PSNI.
Garda activities to disrupt and prevent actions by republican paramilitary groups continue without cease. There have been notable successes and disruptions of activity in this regard – many seizures of arms and material, and notable arrests and convictions.
The Gardaí maintain a high level of on-going, close co-operation with their counterparts in Northern Ireland and in Britain in responding to this threat. This operational relationship is absolutely central to bearing down on and disrupting the activities of these groups and, therefore, to maintaining security on the island.
257. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of passenger lifts inspected by An Garda Síochána on large public service vehicles by Garda division in each of the years 2015 to 2017 and to date in 2018. [53771/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have requested a report from An Garda Síochána in relation to this matter, and will provide this information directly to the Deputy on receipt of said report.
258. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of professional drivers prosecuted by court district for non-compliance of their periodic driver certificates of professional competency training in each of the years 2013 to 2017 and to date in 2018. [53773/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have requested a report from An Garda Síochána in relation to the statistics sought by the Deputy, insofar as they are available, and I will be in contact with the Deputy directly on receipt of this report.
259. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Justice and Equality further to Parliamentary Question No. 228 of 11 December 2018, the number of the 13 persons that have retired on grounds of ill health as a direct result of a recognised injury on duty from the Irish Prison Service; if they were subject to an injury warrant application by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53862/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFurther to my response to Parliamentary Question 228 of 11 December 2018, I am advised that ill-health retirement is governed by the Department of Finance circular 22/07 which sets out the procedure to be followed, either on the initiative of the employee or of the Department.
The Irish Prison Service commenced the recording of the relevant data in 2006. In the intervening time, 172 employees have retired on grounds of ill health and of that, 13 as a direct result of a recognised injury on duty. Of these 13, 4 involved Injury Warrants applications and all were refused.
260. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of prison officers that have been medically retired as a direct result of a recognised injury on duty by the chief medical officer in the Civil Service occupational health department in the past 20 years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53863/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by the Director General of the Irish Prison Service that ill-health retirement is governed by the Department of Finance circular 22/07 which sets out the procedure to be followed, either on the initiative of the employee or of the Department.
Employees can voluntarily apply for retirement on the grounds of ill health. The Chief Medical Officer provides their medical opinion as to whether an employee is incapable on medical grounds of regular and effective service, due to a current ongoing medical condition that is likely to be permanent. The final decision on whether or not a civil servant is granted ill-health retirement lies with the relevant authority having received the Chief Medical Officer’s advice.
Further to my response to Parliamentary Question 228 of 11 December 2018 (as revised), the Irish Prison Service commenced the recording of the relevant data in 2006. In the intervening time, 172 employees have retired on grounds of ill health and of that, 13 as a direct result of a recognised injury on duty.
261. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the supports offered to residents of direct provision that have been granted refugee status or subsidiary protection to vacate the direct provision system; the follow-up support offered to these former residents; the cost of these supports per year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53867/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra262. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of residents in direct provision centres at the end of 2018; the number of these that are children; the number that have been granted refugee status or subsidiary protection; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53868/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra263. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the time that current residents have been in direct provision, that is zero to three, three to six months and so on in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53869/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 261 to 263, inclusive, together.
Some 12% of the people currently residing in the accommodation centres provided by RIA, over 700 people, have permission to remain in Ireland. The fact that people are staying in the centres for some time after they receive permission to remain is a situation that is putting increased pressure on the system as new arrivals have to be accommodated.
Where an individual or family has permission to remain in Ireland they can access the mainstream housing supports and services on the same basis as nationals/European Economic Area nationals.
Considerable work continues to be done to support residents with status to move out of accommodation centres and to secure permanent accommodation in the community.
A number of NGOs have been awarded monies under the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund (AMIF) specifically to assist and support residents with international protection status move out of accommodation centres into longer term accommodation.
In particular, funding was granted to the Jesuit Refugee Service and the Peter McVerry Trust under the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund Ireland 2017 - 2019 for the PATHS project (Providing Asylum-seekers in Transition with Housing and Support).
Further information on funding provided by AMIF can be found on the Department's website.
My Department has also provided funding to South Dublin County Partnership for a two year housing and integration programme, a key part of which is to assist residents, who have received permission to remain, to access housing supports. The amount of funding provided in 2018 was €100,000.
Additionally, under a pilot project, the Department of Justice and Equality has provided funding and is working with DePaul Ireland who provide supports in a number of accommodation centres to residents with permission to remain. Part of their role is to assist residents to access accommodation in the wider community and offer resettlement support to ensure there is a decrease in tenancy breakdown. The amount of funding provided in 2018 was €45,034.
The statistical data the Deputy has requested is compiled on an annual basis and has not yet been finalised for 2018. However, as of 9th December 2018, there were a total of 5997 persons staying in accommodation provided by the Reception and Integration Agency (RIA), Department of Justice and Equality. My Department has attached a document which details the duration of stay per centre for end of December 2017.
Historical information is available from the Annual Reports of the Reception and Integration Agency (RIA) of my Department which are available on their website.
264. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of direct provision centres that offer self-service cooking facilities for residents; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53870/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFollowing on from recommendations 4.75 and 4.87 contained in the McMahon Report, the Reception and Integration Agency (RIA) of my Department has worked with contractors to introduce cooking facilities into accommodation centres within their portfolio.
To date, the following centres have introduced independent living where residents are provided with food ingredients and have access to cooking facilities in order for them to prepare their own meals:
|
Accommodation Centre |
Contracted Capacity |
|
Athlone, Co. Westmeath |
300 |
|
Ballyhaunis, Co. Mayo |
245 |
|
Bridgewater, Carrick-on-Suir, Co. Tipperary |
161 |
|
Carroll Village, Dundalk, Co. Louth |
74 |
|
Clonakilty, Co. Cork |
108 |
|
Davis Lane, Mallow, Co. Cork |
52 |
|
Atlantic Lodge, Kenmare, Co. Kerry |
98 |
|
Millstreet, Co. Cork |
284 |
|
St. Patrick's , Co. Monaghan |
175 |
|
Mosney |
600 |
|
Total |
2,097 |
In addition to the above, a number of centres provide cooking facilities for residents who provide their own ingredients. The centres who provide this are:
|
Accommodation Centre |
Contracted Capacity |
|
Atlantic View, Tramore, Co. Waterford |
82 |
|
Eglinton, Salthill, Co. Galway |
210 |
|
Great Western, Galway City |
162 |
|
Hazel Hotel, Monasterevin, Co. Kildare |
143 |
|
Hibernian House, Abbeyleix, Co. Laois |
63 |
|
Kinsale Road, Cork |
275 |
|
Mount Trenchard, Foynes, Co. Limerick |
85 |
|
Ocean View, Tramore, Co. Waterford |
100 |
|
Total |
1,120 |
The latest statistics available show that at the 11th December 2018, there were 5,997 persons accommodated in direct provision. This means that nearly 54% of residents have access to cooking facilities and 35% access to the independent living model where residents are provided ingredients and access to cooking facilities.
In order to meet the accommodation needs in the longer term, the Department has recently commenced a public procurement exercise under which public tenders for the provision of accommodation and ancillary services to persons in the protection process, by way of the independent living model, will be advertised. This process is scheduled to continue throughout 2019 and is due for completion in 2020. This will be delivered via a series of regional competitions to cover the entire State. Under this competition, all successful bids must provide residents with the option of preparing their own meals as part of their proposal.
265. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of first-time applications for international protection his Department received in 2018; the number of these that have been offered their first decision; the nature of this decision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53871/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, applications for international protection are now processed at first instance, as part of a single application procedure, by the International Protection Office (IPO) which replaced the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner (ORAC). The staff of that Office (the Chief International Protection Officer and International Protection Officers) are independent in the performance of their protection functions. The International Protection Appeals Tribunal, (IPAT), considers appeals against IPO refusals of international protection and the Tribunal is also independent in the performance of its functions
The IPO was established on 31 December 2016 following the commencement of the International Protection Act 2015 providing for the introduction of a single application procedure for people seeking international protection. The 2015 Act replaced the previous sequential application system with a single application process, for asylum, subsidiary protection and permission to remain in the State, bringing Ireland into line with the processing arrangements applicable in other EU Member States.
When the 2015 Act was commenced, the IPO inherited a substantial backlog of over 3500 cases from the former system - some 2000 from the former Refugee Appeals Tribunal plus 1500 from the former Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner. All IPO resources to date have been concentrated on scheduling and processing the backlog of legacy cases and prioritised cases (unaccompanied minors, and cases from refugee generating countries such as Syria, for example).
In total, the IPO will issue over 2,900 first instance recommendations/decisions by the end of November this year, compared to 1,781 in 2017. There were 3324 first-time applications for international protection received by the International Protection Office (IPO) in 2018 up to the end of November. This figure includes 17 reapplications. Of these 3324 applications, 271 have received a first instance decision from the Minister based on the recommendations of the International Protection Office.
Of these 271 first instance decisions, 266 were granted international protection by the Minister (refugee status or subsidiary protection status). 256 of these grant decisions relate to international protection applications made under the EU Relocation Programme under which applications, mostly from Syrian nationals, were prioritised by the IPO for fast-track decisions. The remaining 5 decisions were refusals of international protection by the Minister (both refugee status and subsidiary protection status).
Of the 3324 applications for protection received in 2018 up to the end of November, there were 4 decisions made by the International Protection Appeals Tribunal, (IPAT ) on appeal. Of these, 3 decisions were to grant international protection (refugee status or subsidiary protection status) and 1 decision was to affirm the recommendation of the International Protection Office to refuse international protection. In total, 488 decisions were issued by the Minister on foot of appeal decisions made by the IPAT up to 30th November 2018.
266. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his views on the minority report (details supplied) of the Commission on the Future of Policing; and the key issues raised in the report. [53907/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI was pleased to announce yesterday that the Government has endorsed the report of the Commission on the Future of Policing in Ireland and agreed to my proposals to accept all 157 key recommendations (136 in full and 21 in principle). This follows three months of detailed consideration by my Department of the report's findings and recommendations and consultations with the Garda Commissioner, the policing oversight bodies , other Government Departments and agencies.
The Commission's vision as endorsed by Government is for a modern, highly professional, human rights-based police service, working closely and collaboratively with communities and other agencies to keep communities safe and prevent harm. I and my Government colleagues are convinced that this is the right vision to maintain and enhance public trust in policing, to address current challenges and to enable An Garda Síochána to meet future challenges.
I was also pleased to launch, with the Garda Commissioner, a high level implementation plan "A Policing Service for the Future" which sets out the approach to implementation. It will be overseen by the Implementation Group on Policing Reform (IGPR) which has Ms Helen Ryan, former member of the Commission, as its independent Chair. The IGPR is supported by a dedicated Programme Office in the Department of the Taoiseach.
The Plan, which was prepared with the input of the IGPR sets out an ambitious but realistic four year work programme for the implementation of the recommendations. This timescale is in line with the Commission's own recommendations. I would refer the Deputy to www.gov.ie/policingreform for a copy of the Plan.
My Department along with the Commissioner will be centrally involved in the implementation work.
The Plan includes the preparation by my Department of a Policing and Community Safety Bill to provide, amongst other matters, for a new coherent governance, oversight and accountability framework for policing as recommended by the Commission.
I am conscious of some concern that the proposals risk diluting the current level of external scrutiny. Following detailed consideration of the concerns, including the dissenting views of the two members of the Commission to whom the Deputy refers, I am satisfied that the proposals are a coherent response to what is currently a complex system of external oversight that acts to the detriment of accountability on the part of individuals and the Garda organisation itself. Taken as a whole, the suite of proposals will ensure the achievement of the complementary objectives of effective external oversight of policing and strong internal governance in line with best practice.
I am also satisfied that it is appropriate that the Commissioner and the Garda Síochána Board be given responsibility for senior appointments, subject to normal public service recruitment and promotion standards being applied. I accept the Commission’s strong view that the Commissioner must be empowered to act as the CEO of An Garda Síochána and responsibility for appointments is clearly within the remit of the Board and CEO of any large organisation. The integrity of the processes will, of course, be subject to oversight by the proposed new independent external oversight body.
I anticipate that the new framework will be in place on 1 January 2021. In the intervening period the existing oversight bodies will continue their important work in accordance with their statutory remit.
267. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the level of authority An Garda Síochána has to inspect all aspects and-or particulars of professional drivers at taxi ranks and-or roadside checks; if An Garda Síochána is co-ordinating with the NTA taxi inspectors over Christmas 2018 and the 2019 new year period in conducting rank and roadside checks of vehicles and documentation to ensure full compliance with taxi regulations and traffic laws; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53913/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy will appreciate that I have no direct role in the enforcement of road traffic legislation, which is an operational matter for the Garda Commissioner.
I have requested a report from An Garda Síochána, and will provide this information directly to the Deputy on receipt of said report.
|
DMR Region |
6 |
|
Eastern Region |
2 |
|
Northern Region |
0 |
|
South Eastern Region |
0 |
|
Southern Region |
6 |
|
Western Region |
5 |
268. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of prison officers that have been assigned to modified duties as a result of injury sustained during the course of their regular duties in the past ten years; if the Irish Prison Service has the ability to provide suitable long-term modified duties for all officers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53965/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am sure the Deputy will appreciate that prison staff work in an extremely challenging environment in which, on a daily basis, they face unique circumstances.
I am advised by the Director General of the Irish Prison Service that the Irish Prison Service is committed to the provision of workplace rehabilitation that supports and enables injured or sick employees to remain at or return to the workplace to continue the discharge of work duties. In that context, the Irish Prison Service introduced an Accommodations (Rehabilitative/Restricted Duties) Policy in July 2014. This policy was introduced in order to formalise the processes and procedures which apply in such circumstances.
The information requested by the Deputy regarding the number of prison officers assigned to modified duties as a result of an occupational injury or disease in the last 10 years is not available. Information of this nature has, up until now, been recorded on the officers’ personal file and has not been collated centrally. The information is now being recorded centrally and I have been advised that since January 2018, 23 employees have been facilitated under the Policy in circumstances where their injury related to an occupational injury or disease.
The Irish Prison Service does not have the capacity to accommodate staff on longer periods of modified duties as there are very limited posts available and in addition to the Policy these posts are required for pregnant staff.
While the Irish Prison Service will endeavour to provide accommodations, within the constraints which exist within the prison environment, it should be noted that there is no onus on the Irish Prison Service to provide such accommodations and this is reflected in the employment equality legislation, namely Section 25 of the 2004 Equality Act:
“It is an occupational requirement for employment in the Garda Síochána, Irish Prison Service or any emergency service that persons employed therein are fully competent and available to undertake, and fully capable of undertaking, the range of functions that they may be called upon to perform so that the operational capacity of the Garda Síochána or the service concerned may be preserved.”
The Irish Prison Service Accommodations (Rehabilitative/Restricted Duties) Policy allows for staff to return from sick leave during the latter stages of their recovery/recuperation on modified duties, but only where a suitable post is available and the Chief Medical Officer has confirmed that the staff member is likely to be in a position to return to full duties within 3 months. Where a suitable post is not available, or where the staff member is unlikely to be fit for full duties within 3 months, the staff member is required to remain on sick leave.
269. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of full-time equivalent members of the Garda traffic corps and road policing bureau in each of the years since 2006, in tabular form. [53970/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy will appreciate, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the distribution of personnel and I, as Minister, have no direct role in the matter. Garda management keeps this distribution under review in the context of crime trends and policing priorities to ensure optimum use is made of the resources.
In 2017 the Commissioner established the Garda National Roads Policing Bureau (GNRPB) to ensure a consistent approach to road safety and enforcement of road traffic legislation across the country. This is achieved through coordination of enforcement and development of policy based on research and analysis of statistics and by engaging in campaigns in partnership with other State Agencies. Furthermore, the Divisional Garda Traffic Corps have been re-named Garda Road Policing Units, to reflect the role the Units will play in denying criminals the use of the roads network. In addition to the Roads Policing Units focusing on the lifesaver offences of speeding, seatbelts, mobile phones and driving under the influence, they will also focus on crime prevention and crime detection. Divisional Roads Policing units will work closely with other Divisional units to target known criminals and to disrupt their activities through strict enforcement of road traffic legislation.
As of 31 October 2018 there were 7 Garda members assigned to the Garda National Roads Policing Bureau (including an Assistant Commissioner) and 697 members of the Garda Roads Policing Units.
The strength of the Roads Policing Units by Division, in each of the years 2009 (the earliest date for which figures are readily available) to 31 October 2018 is available on my Department’s website through the link below.
roads policing
270. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of vehicles used by An Garda Síochána for non-intercepted speeding offence detection; and the number of these which are operational in tabular form. [53971/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy will appreciate that I have no direct role in the enforcement of road traffic legislation, which is an operational matter for the Garda Commissioner.
I have requested a report from An Garda Síochána, and will provide this information directly to the Deputy on receipt of said report.
271. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the amount spent on social media by his Department in 2016, 2017 and to date in 2018; the projected spend in 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53994/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra272. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the amount spent on marketing and media by his Department in 2016, 2017 and to date in 2018; the projected spend in 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54011/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 271 and 272 together.
The information requested by the Deputy, including the total expenditure figures for 2018, is currently being compiled by officials in my Department and I will forward them to the deputy at the earliest opportunity.
