Written Answers Nos. 367-395
367. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the community garda numbers by Garda district as of 1 June 2019; the corresponding number for 1 June in each of the years 2014 to 2018, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31356/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs 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 as it recognises that every community, either urban or rural, has its own concerns and expectations. 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 of 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.
As Community Garda are assigned on a Garda Divisional basis, I am informed by the Commissioner that a breakdown by District as requested by the Deputy is not readily available.
However, the strength of the Community Garda by Division, in each of the years 2009 to 31 May 2019 is available on my Department’s website through the link below.
http://www.justice.ie/en/JELR/Pages/Community_Policing
For general information on Garda Facts and Figures below is the link to the website
http://www.justice.ie/en/JELR/Pages/An_Garda_Siochana_facts_and_figures.
368. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality further to Parliamentary Question No. 374 of 12 June 2019, if further issues have arisen in respect of the visa for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31369/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that the visa application referred to is currently being examined and the visa office in Abuja have contacted the applicant to seek further information and clarification on documentation already received. Once this information is received, a decision will issue directly to both the applicant and the sponsor.
I am also advised that while the Policy Document on Family Reunification contains a stated business target that such visa applications should be dealt with within twelve months of receipt of application, that this is a business target and does not constitute a legal obligation.
Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to 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 INIS is, in the Deputy’s view, inadequate or too long awaited.
In addition, applicants may themselves e-mail queries directly to INIS (visamail@justice.ie).
369. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality when an application for a family to join will be considered in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31370/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that a proposal under the Irish Refugee Protection Programme, Humanitarian Admissions Programme (IHAP) scheme was received from the person referred to by the Deputy.
IHAP, which operates under the Irish Refugee Protection Programme, provides an opportunity to Irish citizens and persons with Convention refugee status, subsidiary protection status, and programme refugee status, who have immediate eligible family members from the current top 10 major source countries of refugees (Syrian Arab Republic, Afghanistan, South Sudan, Somalia, Sudan, Democratic Republic of Congo, Central African Republic, Myanmar, Eritrea and Burundi) to propose to the Minister for these family members to join them in Ireland.
The IHAP programme was established to provide humanitarian admission to Ireland for 530 eligible family members of Irish citizens and those with protection status in Ireland. The first call for proposals under the Programme was made summer of 2018, and 166 people were ultimately granted permission to come to the State. A second call for proposals under the IHAP issued in December 2018, with a closing date for proposals of the 8th February 2019, with over 800 proposals received in respect of over 1700 potential beneficiaries. Processing of these proposals is ongoing.
The person concerned submitted a proposal under window one. The proposer was notified in writing of the outcome by letter dated 19 December 2018. A further proposal was received under window two of the IHAP, and a decision in respect of this proposal issued on 28th June 2019
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.
370. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the status of an application by a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31371/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that the processing of the application for a certificate of naturalisation from the person referred to by the Deputy is on-going.
A letter issued to representatives of the person concerned on 12 March 2019 requesting certain documentation and a reply is awaited. Upon receipt of the requested documentation the case will be further processed.
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.
371. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if a person and their child (details supplied) qualify for naturalisation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31372/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that there is no record of an application for a certificate of naturalisation from the persons referred to by the Deputy.
It is open to any individual to lodge an application for a certificate of naturalisation if and when they are in a position to meet the statutory requirements as prescribed in the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956, as amended.
Where sections 6A and 6B of the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956, as amended, are applicable, a child born in the island of Ireland on or after 1 January 2005 has an entitlement to Irish citizenship if, at the time of the birth of the child, one of his or her parents had, during the period of 4 years immediately preceding the person's birth, been resident in the island of Ireland for a period of not less than 3 years or periods, the aggregate of which is not less than 3 years. Periods of unlawful residence, periods of residence which were for the sole purpose of having an application for refugee status determined or periods of residence where permission was granted for the purposes of study are excluded from the determination of periods of reckonable residence. Entitlement of a child to Irish citizenship is determined by the Passport Office following receipt of an application for a passport on the child's behalf.
Where a child born in the State did not at birth have an entitlement to Irish citizenship, the parent or guardian or person who is in loco parentis to the child may lodge an application for naturalisation on behalf of the child if and when the conditions for naturalisation are satisfied, including a requirement to have 5 years residence in the State.
Full details of the eligibility criteria and extensive guidelines are available on the INIS website at www.inis.gov.ie
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 I know the Deputy will appreciate that it is important that appropriate procedures are in place to preserve the integrity of the process.
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
372. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if extended leave to remain of stamp 4 status will issue in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31373/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraI 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 submitted written representations.
These representations, together with all other information 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.
373. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if the application to upgrade an application for residency and naturalisation will be validated in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31374/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that there is no record of a current application for a certificate of naturalisation from the person referred to by the Deputy. A decision on her previous application issued by letter on 22 October 2018.
The records indicate that the person's permission to reside in the State expired on 22 November 2016. All non-EEA nationals are required to keep their permission to remain in the State up to date at all times, and to have such permission registered. Failure to do so may adversely affect an application for a certificate of naturalisation.
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. 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.
374. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality when an update of stamp 4 status will issue in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31375/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that the name of the person referred to by the Deputy does not match the reference number supplied. As it is not possible to correctly identify the person to whom the Deputy is referring, I cannot provide the information sought at this time. However, if the Deputy wishes to clarify the identity of the person concerned and resubmit his Question, I will provide a substantive reply.
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.
375. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the progress to date in the examination of an application for naturalisation in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31376/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraI 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. If further documentation is required it will be requested from the applicant in due course.
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. 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.
376. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if the deportation order will be revoked in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31377/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am informed by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that the person concerned is the subject of a Deportation Order issued on 12 June 2019. This Order requires the person concerned to remove themselves from the State and remain outside the State. The enforcement of Deportation Orders are a matter for the Garda National Immigration Bureau.
It is open to the person concerned to submit representations requesting that the Deportation Order be revoked, pursuant to Section 3(11) of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended). However, I wish to make clear that such an application would require substantial grounds to be successful.
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.
377. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if the deportation order will be revoked in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31378/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by the Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that the person referred to is the subject of a Deportation Order made on 11 March 2005.
As previously advised, representations were received on behalf of the person concerned pursuant to Section 3 (11) of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended), to revoke the Deportation Order. Following the consideration of those representations, a decision was taken in July 2018 that the Deportation Order should be affirmed and this decision was communicated to the person concerned by registered post dated 16 July 2018.
Further representations were received on behalf of the person concerned requesting that the Deportation Order be revoked, pursuant to Section 3(11) of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended). I wish to make clear that such an application would require substantial grounds to be successful.
The Deputy might wish to note that the effect of a Deportation Order is that the person named on the Order is legally obliged to leave the State and to remain outside of the State. The enforcement of the Deportation Order in this case is now an operational matter for the Garda National Immigration Bureau.
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.
378. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if the residency position of persons (details supplied) will be regularised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31381/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that it would appear the persons' presence in the State may be unlawful. The Deputy will appreciate that, under the relevant provisions of the Immigration Act, 2004, a non-national may not be in the State other than within the terms of a permission from the Minister for Justice and Equality.
In order to allow for a full examination of the person's circumstances, the persons concerned should write to Unit 2, Domestic Residence and Permissions Division, INIS, 13/14 Burgh Quay, Dublin 2 and provide a detailed account and documentary evidence of their personal circumstances since they entered the State.
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.
379. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the steps being taken to protect and ensure the safety of taxi drivers in view of reports of alleged assaults following the refusal to pay fares; if he is satisfied that legal protections for all public transport workers are adequate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31394/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraFirstly, I must clarify that the provision of quality services by small public service (SPSV) drivers, while having due regard to their protection, is an objective of the National Transport Authority (NTA) under section 19(2)(e) of the Taxi Regulation Act 2013 and is therefore within the remit of my colleague, the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport.
However, I am informed that An Garda Síochána has advised the Taxi Regulation Directorate (within the NTA) on what to do in the event of crime perpetrated against a SPSV operator and has provided consultation to the NTA in developing a Skills Development Programme for SPSV operators. The programme outlines the steps SPSV operators can take to make life safer, more secure and compliant with current health and safety legislation, and there is a specific section on looking after their personal security.
Separately, I am informed that all taxi drivers, as part of their initial training and preparation for examinations, are provided with the Official Manual for Operating within the SPSV Industry. This manual is produced by the NTA in consultation with the Garda Crime Prevention Unit and contains a chapter entitled Staying Safe. The chapter offers a range of information and suggestions on how to deal with difficult customers or dangerous situations. This includes suggestions on taking extra care in isolated areas, making eye contact with the customer when the customer gets into the car, and arranging a code word with the dispatch operator or a colleague that can be used in communication with them if danger is perceived.
Information regarding ways to reduce the risk of robbery is also provided. An Garda Síochána has recommended that taxi drivers:
- avoid carrying large sums of cash where possible;
- not show, or tell, customers how much cash they have and be discrete with their cash when giving a customer change;
- not display valuables; and,
- lock their vehicles while in isolated areas or waiting for a customer to arrive.
An Garda Síochána also advises that taxi drivers who have been the victims of robbery or fare evasion should not chase the perpetrators because this might put their
personal safety at further risk. In addition, it is advised that taxi drivers should not take any action that might be deemed to be illegal or, again, put themselves at risk, such as detaining a passenger by force. The advice from An Garda Síochána to taxi drivers is to make contact immediately on 999 or 112 if they have been the victim of an assault, robbery or fare evasion and, if safe to do so, remain at that location until Gardaí arrive.
Finally, matters relating to legal protections for public transport workers would generally fall to my colleague, Minister Ross, at the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport.
380. Deputy Catherine Martin asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of reports of domestic abuse made to An Garda Síochána in each of the years 2010 to 2018 and to date in 2019. [31395/19]
Amharc ar fhreagra381. Deputy Catherine Martin asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of reports of domestic abuse made to An Garda Síochána in each of the years 2010 to 2018 and to date in 2019 that were recorded as incidents. [31396/19]
Amharc ar fhreagra382. Deputy Catherine Martin asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of reports of domestic abuse made to An Garda Síochána in each of the years 2010 to 2018 and to date in 2019 that were recorded as crimes. [31397/19]
Amharc ar fhreagra383. Deputy Catherine Martin asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the type of abuse experienced by the alleged victim, that is, physical, financial and so on in reports of domestic abuse made to An Garda Síochána in each of the years 2010 to 2018 and to date in 2019, in numbers or percentages . [31399/19]
Amharc ar fhreagra384. Deputy Catherine Martin asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of reports of domestic abuse made to An Garda Síochána in the context of coercive control and psychological abuse since the introduction of the Domestic Violence Act 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31400/19]
Amharc ar fhreagra385. Deputy Catherine Martin asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of alleged victims of the reports of domestic abuse made to An Garda Síochána that were over 50 years of age in each of the years 2010 to 2018 and to date in 2019. [31401/19]
Amharc ar fhreagra386. Deputy Catherine Martin asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of alleged victims of the reports of domestic abuse made to An Garda Síochána that were over 25 years of age in each of the years 2010 to 2018 and to date in 2019. [31402/19]
Amharc ar fhreagra387. Deputy Catherine Martin asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of alleged victims of the reports of domestic abuse made to An Garda Síochána who were experiencing the abuse from their partner in a same-sex relationship in each of the years 2010 to 2018 and to date in 2019. [31403/19]
Amharc ar fhreagra388. Deputy Catherine Martin asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of alleged victims of the reports of domestic abuse made to An Garda Síochána identified as being from the LGBTQIA community and which were experiencing domestic abuse from a family member due to their sexuality in each of the years 2010 to 2018 and to date in 2019. [31404/19]
Amharc ar fhreagra389. Deputy Catherine Martin asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of alleged victims of the reports of domestic abuse made to An Garda Síochána which were women in each of the years 2010 to 2018 and to date in 2019. [31405/19]
Amharc ar fhreagra390. Deputy Catherine Martin asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of alleged victims of the reports of domestic abuse made to An Garda Síochána which were men in each of the years 2010 to 2018 and to date in 2019. [31406/19]
Amharc ar fhreagra391. Deputy Catherine Martin asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of alleged perpetrators of the reports of domestic abuse made to An Garda Síochána which were women in each of the years 2010 to 2018 and to date in 2019. [31407/19]
Amharc ar fhreagra392. Deputy Catherine Martin asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of alleged perpetrators of the reports of domestic abuse made to An Garda Síochána which were men in each of the years 2010 to 2018 and to date in 2019. [31408/19]
Amharc ar fhreagra393. Deputy Catherine Martin asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the type of abuse reported, that is, physical, sexual, financial, honour-based violence, psychological, forced marriage and so on of the reports of domestic abuse made to An Garda Síochána in each of the years 2010 to 2018 and to date in 2019. [31409/19]
Amharc ar fhreagra394. Deputy Catherine Martin asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the relationship between the victim and perpetrator under headings (details supplied) based on the reports of domestic abuse made to An Garda Síochána in each of the years 2010 to 2018 and to date in 2019. [31410/19]
Amharc ar fhreagra395. Deputy Catherine Martin asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of victims considered disabled, physically or intellectually, of the reports of domestic abuse made to An Garda Síochána in each of the years 2010 to 2018 and to date in 2019. [31411/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 380 to 395, inclusive, together.
As the Deputy will be aware, An Garda Síochána have put a number of organisational measures in place to address and improve their response to domestic abuse such as: the Domestic Abuse Intervention Policy, the appointment of Divisional Inspectors, the establishment of the National Protective Services Bureau and Divisional Protective Services Units and various awareness raising initiatives.
Furthermore, since February 2018, a key improvement has been made in relation to data available from the PULSE system which now supports the recording of domestic violence as a modus operandi feature.
With regard to the specific information sought by the Deputy, I have requested a report from the Garda authorities and I will contact the Deputy directly once the information is to hand.
