Aindrias Moynihan
Ceist:321. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the timeframe for decisions by the ministerial decisions unit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12127/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraMinisterial Functions
Ceisteanna (321, 322)
Aindrias Moynihan
Ceist:322. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if there have been delays to the timeframe for decisions by the ministerial decisions unit as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic; if so, the length of the delays; when the delays will be cleared; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12128/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 321 and 322 together.
My Department processes the recommendations received from the International Protection Office and the decisions of the International Protection Appeals Tribunal in chronological order based on the date the file is received in that Unit. Once the necessary due diligence has been carried out by the Ministerial Decisions Unit, a declaration of status will issue as soon as possible.
The average time for a decision to be finalised to grant a protection status in the 12 months up to 19 March 2020 was 120 days. The average time for a refusal decision was 33 days.
Due to the ongoing Covid-19 situation there have been delays to the time frame for the issuing of international protection decisions. The Ministerial Decisions Unit is continuing to process cases to the extent allowed by government restrictions to stem the spread of Covid-19 and that means that as much of the work that can be done remotely is up to date. However, the timelines for the actual issuing of the decisions have necessarily been pushed out to enable conformity with public health measures on social distancing and non-essential travel. Decisions, whether grants or refusals, have not issued routinely since 19 March. The Unit does, however, look at emergency cases on an individual basis and take a tailored approach to them.
All applicants for international protection who are in receipt of recommendations from the IPO or the IPAT, will hear from the Ministerial Decision Unit in due course in relation to the outcome of their applications and their position in the State. In the meantime, they remain applicants under the International Protection Act 2015. They have been advised that if their Temporary Residence Card (TRC) is due to expire, they should consult the IPO website http://www.ipo.gov.ie/ or contact the IPO. Resumption of normal timeframes remains under constant review subject to the advice of the HSE and the Chief Medical Officer and once commenced, decisions will be issued in chronological order.
The matter is receiving ongoing attention and as soon as a practical plan is in place for the re-commencement of normal service delivery, subject to the advice of the HSE and the Chief Medical Officer, notifications will be placed on our website (www.inis.gov.ie).
Garda Stations
Ceisteanna (323)
Pádraig MacLochlainn
Ceist:323. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the status of the commitment to identify a new site and construct a new Garda station for Carndonagh and rural areas of north Inishowen, County Donegal; and if a Garda presence will remain in Carndonagh during construction phase at a location, such as the public service centre of Donegal County Council, which has been utilised by An Garda Síochána in the past. [12131/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Garda Commissioner is by law responsible for the management and control of An Garda Síochána and for the effective and efficient use of Garda resources. Further, the Office of Public Works (OPW) has responsibility for the provision and maintenance of Garda accommodation. Works in relation to Garda accommodation are therefore progressed by the Garda authorities working in close cooperation with the OPW.
The overall purpose of the ongoing Garda Building and Refurbishment Programme 2016-2021 is to address deficiencies in the Garda estate and provide fit-for-purpose facilities for Garda members and staff as well as the public interacting with them. The programme is based on agreed Garda priorities and includes substantial works at over 30 locations nationwide as well as other works such as cell refurbishment at over 100 locations.
The programme, which is based on Garda priorities, does not include the development of a new Garda station in Carndonagh, Co. Donegal. The programme does include the refurbishment and extension of Donegal Town Garda Station and I understand that this project is currently underway.
In terms of the period after conclusion of the current Building and Refurbishment Programme, I would recall that the determination of the need for a new Garda station at Carndonagh or any other location is a matter for the Garda Commissioner and not for me as Minister. I understand that the overall accommodation priorities of An Garda Síochána for the next general programme will be considered by Garda management in the context of the overall accommodation needs of the service arising from the ongoing increase in the Garda workforce, the new Garda Operating Model introduced last year, and bearing in mind the implementation plan for the report of the Commission on the Future of Policing in Ireland, "A Policing Service for the Future".
Other than the provision of new stations and major works under the current or future Building and Refurbishment Programmes, I understand that Gardaí and the OPW attempt to deal with minor maintenance or related issues across the Garda estate, as they arise. This is a significant undertaking, given that there are over 560 stations nationwide. In that context, I am informed by the Garda authorities that An Garda Síochána continues to engage with the OPW on the provision of minor enhancement works to the Garda station at Carndonagh.
Programme for Government
Ceisteanna (324)
Alan Kelly
Ceist:324. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if a copy of all briefing documents provided to Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and the Green Party for their programme for Government negotiations will be provided. [12153/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Department of the Taoiseach will be arranging for the publication of material provided by Government Departments in accordance with agreed procedures, via the Department of the Taoiseach, to Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and the Green Party, as part of Government formation negotiations.
Visa Applications
Ceisteanna (325)
Seán Haughey
Ceist:325. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Justice and Equality when the processing of visa applications by the INIS will recommence; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the closure of the service is causing problems for the hospitality sector, in that chefs from non-EEA countries cannot get their visas on time even though they have been granted work permits; the way in which the backlog in the INIS will be dealt with in due course; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12159/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The current position (since 21 March 2020) is that we have temporarily ceased accepting new visa applications with the exception of critical/priority applications including healthcare and supply chain workers.
In line with Government policy, we are preparing for a phased and coordinated resumption of visa operations. A limited relaxation of the current measures started on 22 June 2020 with the acceptance of long stay applications in locations where conditions allow. Any approaches in this area will have regard to the current health and safety advice in relation to the pandemic, conditions in countries of origin, and be consistent with our CTA arrangements with the UK and our EU membership.
As the Deputy will appreciate, the course of the pandemic requires a prudent approach to the relaxation of any measures taken in the interests of public health.
More detailed information on developments is provided on the ISD website.
Departmental Funding
Ceisteanna (326)
Jackie Cahill
Ceist:326. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the funding sources available for community crime prevention organisations, including social enterprises (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12177/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I understand that An Garda Síochána has been very supportive of property marking. I am informed that there are strong indications that, where it is used, it acts as a deterrent and enables more efficient identification of stolen property in order to reunite it with its owner.
And so I fully appreciate the value of the type of action referred to by the Deputy, namely marking of property. Whatever method is used, I would encourage people to mark their property - be it farm machinery, bicycles, computers or other personal property - and to consider the advantages of using a unique identifier - such as Eircode - in doing so.
In so far as community funding is concerned, my Department provides funding to Muintir na Tíre for purposes including the Text Alert / Community Alert groups nationwide.
I understand that more substantial community funding is provided by the Department of Rural and Community Development. Further information may be available from that Department in that regard.
Finally, I understand further, from the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation, that if the entity referred to by the Deputy has been impacted by the COVID-19 crisis, they may be eligible for the SBCI COVID-19 Working Capital Loan Scheme. This scheme provides for working capital loans for businesses, including non-profit organisations, at competitive interest rates. Further information on the scheme can be found at the SBCI website: https://sbci.gov.ie/
Direct Provision System
Ceisteanna (327)
Pa Daly
Ceist:327. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans to send additional asylum seekers to a direct provision centre (details supplied); if so, the number; if a health inspection will be carried out in advance of any such transfers; and the way in which testing for Covid-19 will be managed. [12178/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
There are no plans to move additional persons to the centre referred to by the Deputy at the current time. The centre currently has a total of 63 residents onsite including nine children.
Any decisions on tests or testing policy is a matter for the HSE in a public health context.
Immigration Status
Ceisteanna (328)
Brendan Howlin
Ceist:328. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will review an appeal by a person (details supplied) for permission to remain; if there has been a change in policy in providing updated information to Members of Dáil Éireann on the status of such applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12191/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Following the commencement of the International Protection Act 2015 on 31 December 2016, new arrangements for the investigation and determination of applications for international protection (refugee status and subsidiary protection) and cases involving permission to remain in the State were introduced. Such applications are now processed, as part of a single application procedure, by the International Protection Office (IPO).
The IPO is an office within the Immigration Service Delivery function of my Department, responsible for processing applications for international protection under the International Protection Act 2015.
The staff of the IPO (the Chief International Protection Officer and International Protection Officers) are independent by law in the exercise of their international protection functions.
It remains the policy of the Department that if an application for asylum or subsidiary protection has been made in the State, for confidentiality obligations under the Act, we do not comment on such applications. The applicant, or their legal representative, may contact the International Protection Office directly either by email to info@ipo.gov.ie, by telephone to the IPO Customer Service Centre at (01) 6028008 or in writing to:
Customer Service Centre, International Protection Office, 79-83 Lower Mount Street, Dublin 2.
The Chief International Protection Officer, following consultation with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), published a statement on the Prioritisation of Applications for International Protection under the International Protection Act 2015 on 27 February 2017 which is available on the website of the International Protection Office (www.ipo.gov.ie).
Direct Provision System
Ceisteanna (329)
Patricia Ryan
Ceist:329. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality when the recommendations of the all-party report on direct provision and the international protection application process will be implemented; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12218/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Report of the Joint Committee on Justice and Equality on Direct Provision and the International Protection Application Process, published in December 2019, contains a series of recommendations and conclusions covering a number of themes around the international protection process and the reception system for applicants.
The recommendations of the Joint Committee will be taken into account in the context of ongoing policy development in relation to the Direct Provision system and the operation of the international protection process generally. Formulation of policy in this area will also have regard to the framework of the proposed new Programme for Government and the recommendations of the Advisory Group on the Provision of Support, including Accommodation, to persons in the International Protection Process.
The Joint Committee, in its Report, found that there was no clear consensus from the Committee as to what alternatives could or ought to replace the current Direct Provision system. Their Report also acknowledged that any new system of reception and accommodation will need time to ensure the right system is put in place. The establishment of an expert group to review the system was the primary recommendation of the Joint Oireachtas Committee.
Last year, Minister Flanagan and I asked Dr. Catherine Day to bring together an expert group with representation from asylum seekers and NGOs to examine best practice in other European States in the provision of services to international protection applicants, to examine likely longer term trends and to set out recommendations and solutions. The Group is examining both the reception system for accommodating applicants and the system for processing applications, and is expected to make recommendations for changes in both areas. A briefing paper on the work of the group, prepared by the Chairperson to inform programme for government talks, has been circulated to members of both Houses of the Oireachtas.
The Briefing Note includes a list of measures, identified so far, which would immediately improve the situation of those currently in Direct Provision, and on which officials of the Department have been asked to prepare proposals for the incoming Government. The work of the group is advancing at pace and their report is expected by the end of September.
Minister Flanagan and I are happy that this Briefing Note signals far-reaching proposals and we were anxious to ensure that Dr. Day and her Group were free to make any recommendations they deemed appropriate based on an expert analysis.
Last year, we also established a high level Interdepartmental Group chaired by a senior official of my Department, to ensure that all Departments are proactively delivering on their responsibilities. The Group is reviewing the management of services for applicants for international protection and considering the short-to-medium term options which could be implemented to improve the system. Its Report has been finalised and is ready to be submitted to a new Government.
The system of Direct Provision refers to the suite of State services and supports that are provided by a range of Government Departments and agencies to persons seeking international protection in the State. It includes provision of medical cards, an exemption from prescription charges, access to education for children, a weekly payment, access to Exceptional Needs Payments, when required, and, of course, ensuring that all basic needs are met, like accommodation and food.
It is important note that significant efforts have been made to reform the system in recent years. Mr. Justice Bryan McMahon, whose report in 2015 has been the basis for introducing improvements to the system, has himself noted that the system has improved considerably compared to what it was five years ago.
Significant improvements made to the system in recent years include access to the services of the Ombudsman and the Ombudsman for Children; agreed National Standards for accommodation providers; the introduction of labour market access; and the continued roll-out of self-catering facilities for residents (now available to more than half of all residents).
The new National Standards contain specific actions to improve the lives of children in accommodation centres. As well as the aforementioned access to the services of the Ombudsman for Children, they are also supported by the Child Protection Policies that we have put in place in the centres. In addition, there is a Tusla official seconded to my Department to work with our International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS). This ensures that any child protection issues are swiftly followed up and that the process for referrals is as streamlined as possible.
Currently, around 25% of residents (1,974 people) in the Direct Provision system have own door self-catered accommodation. While, at this time, all available accommodation of this type is fully utilised, families are prioritised when this type of accommodation becomes available.
Finally, Minister Flanagan and I look forward to the completion of the work of Dr. Day’s expert group and the implementation of major changes, should the incoming Government accept the proposals.
National LGBTI+ Strategy
Ceisteanna (330)
Cian O'Callaghan
Ceist:330. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will ban gay conversion therapy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12245/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The National LGBTI+ Inclusion Strategy 2019-2021 includes measures to ensure that the practice of conversion therapy in Ireland is investigated and followed up with appropriate counter measures.
Informed by the findings of comprehensive research, advancing this outcome under the strategy will be a matter for consideration by the next Government and in particular, the next Minister for Health.
Question No. 331 answered with Question No. 305.
Maternity Leave
Ceisteanna (332)
Anne Rabbitte
Ceist:332. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Justice and Equality further to Parliamentary Question No. 345 of 3 June 2020, when the information will issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12320/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Deputy will appreciate that I cannot address the detail of any individual case in this response.
I can however confirm that my Department has received an update from An Garda Síochána in relation to this issue and I have this week written directly to the Deputy on the matter.
Family Reunification
Ceisteanna (333)
Seán Sherlock
Ceist:333. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the reason for refusal for a family reunification application (details supplied); and if an appeal will be granted regarding the decision to refuse a visa in the case. [12338/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
An application by the person referred to for a visa to join an Irish national spouse was refused on 23 January 2020. The reasons for refusal were fully outlined in the refusal letter dated the 27 January 2020.
An appeal against the decision to refuse was received in the Dublin Visa Office on the 18 March 2020, where it is currently awaiting comprehensive examination. All appeals are examined in chronological order based on the date of receipt in the Visa Office.
Currently, there are limited Visa services being provided as all public offices including those at our Missions abroad are closed to the public. As part of the combined efforts to tackle COVID-19 and to ensure customer safety, the Immigration Service took the decision to temporarily cease accepting new visa applications, effective from close of business on 20 March 2020. However, the Visa Division continues to process Visa Appeal cases, but due to the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions, the capacity to process appeals is substantially reduced.
The length of time to process an appeal application can be dependent on a number of factors, including the need to seek additional documentation, the number of appeals received at a particular time and the resources available to process them. As each appeal application is assessed on its own merits it is not possible to provide a timeframe for completion of the appeal process.
However, the current date of receipt for which appeals are being processed for this type of visa appeal in the Dublin Visa Office is 25 January 2019. Applicants can keep up-to-date with the dates the Dublin Visa Office are processing by checking the following page, which is updated weekly:
http://www.inis.gov.ie/en/inis/pages/visa%20decisions
Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to 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 is, in the Deputy’s view, inadequate or too long awaited.
Family Reunification
Ceisteanna (334)
Seán Sherlock
Ceist:334. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of applications for non-EEA family reunification that have been made to the INIS in the past three years; the number granted; and the number granted on appeal. [12339/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Policy Document on Non EEA Family Reunification provides a comprehensive statement of national immigration policy in the area of family reunification. It includes detailed information on the circumstances in which a family member can seek to sponsor a non-EEA national family member to join and reside with them in the State. The requirements outlined in the document apply to all decision making in relation to family reunification cases where ministerial discretion applies, including long stay (join family) visa applications.
I have outlined in the table below the number of Join family visa applications lodged, granted and granted on appeal in the years 2017- 2019. They do not include those who made an application to Join Family while already in the State and sought a permission to remain in the State in line with the criteria under the Policy.
|
Year |
2017 |
2018 |
2019 |
|
Lodged |
7888 |
8019 |
8787 |
|
Granted |
6244 |
6079 |
7759 |
|
Appeal Granted |
148 |
192 |
259 |
As previously stated, the requirements outlined in the Policy Document apply to all decision making in relation to family reunification cases where ministerial discretion applies, including long stay (join family) visa applications. Cases where the rights of the individual and the rules that apply regarding applications which are already set out in legislation are not covered by the Non EEA policy document.
All information that an applicant wishes to have taken into consideration should be included with any visa application. Additional clarification may be provided by the Visa Offices abroad including advising of additional documentation to demonstrate that the applicant/sponsor meets specific criteria. Family reunification applications from non visa required persons are made only when the person is already in Ireland.
If a person fails to demonstrate they meet the criteria for a “Join Family” visa then this may result in a negative decision on that application once it has been processed.
Full details on the documentation required for a “Join Family” Visa, including the Policy Document on Non-EEA Family Reunification, are available on the Immigration service website at: http://www.inis.gov.ie/en/INIS/Pages/immigration-policy-family-reunification
However, it should be borne in mind, that the information contained on the website is intended to act as guidance only; it does not limit the discretion of an immigration officer in dealing with individual applications.
Question No. 335 answered with Question No. 305.
Addiction Treatment Services
Ceisteanna (336)
Martin Browne
Ceist:336. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the additional supports in place for communities affected by the increasing intimidation from drug dealers that has coincided with the welcome significant increase in drugs seizures in County Tipperary; if a plan is in place to provide increased addiction treatment services in line with the increased Garda resources; and his views on the lack of co-ordination between the policing and addiction services sides of drug policy. [12367/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Department of Health leads on Government policy in this area is guided by the national drugs strategy "Reducing Harm, Supporting Recovery - a health led response to drug and alcohol use in Ireland 2017-2025".
This represents a whole-of-Government response to drug and alcohol use in Ireland. Implementation of the Strategy is led by my colleague, the Minister for Health and the Minister of State with special responsibility for the National Drugs Strategy and Health Promotion, although the Strategy of course includes actions for all stakeholders, including my Department and An Garda Síochána.
Drug-related intimidation involves the targeting of persons who use drugs, or their family or friends in relation to a drug debt. I appreciate that the threat of violence to enforce drug debt impacts people's lives greatly and can create an atmosphere of fear within communities. I am acutely aware of the importance of tackling such behaviour effectively, where-ever it occurs.
The National Drugs Strategy includes consideration of drug-related intimidation and it is unique among national drug strategies across EU member states in that regard.
An Garda Síochána, in partnership with the National Family Support Network (NFSN), has developed ‘The Drug Related Intimidation Reporting Programme’, which is now been implemented on a national level since 2013, to respond to the needs of drug users and family members who may be subject to the threat of drug related intimidation. I am informed that An Garda Síochána and the National Family Support Network have each concluded their own separate evaluations of the Drug Related Intimidation Reporting Programme and have jointly agreed a number of actions in relation to the programme going forward. It has been agreed that the effectiveness of this Programme will be further enhanced through training, knowledge sharing and awareness raising.
Addiction services are outside my remit as Minister for Justice and Equality and information in that regard would better be requested from the Department of Health.
EU Directives
Ceisteanna (337)
Matt Carthy
Ceist:337. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his views regarding the EU directive concerning seasonal clock changes; if he has sought a derogation for Ireland in view of the fact the country is partitioned; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12423/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
In September 2018, the EU Commission announced a proposal for a Directive discontinuing seasonal clock changes and repealing Directive 2000/84/EC (which previously dealt with the matter). All Member States were requested to consider whether they supported this proposal and to indicate whether they would opt for permanent summer time or winter time, initially with a 2019 deadline which was later revised to 2021.
Following a Government decision in October 2018, an Interdepartmental Steering Group was established by the Department of Justice and Equality to oversee a public consultation process and report the findings to Government. The result of this consultation showed that while a majority of respondents were in favour of discontinuing seasonal clock changes, with a preference for remaining at summer time, the overwhelming majority would not be in favour of any change that would result in two time zones on the island of Ireland.
Discussions with Member States on the proposal are ongoing via the Transport, Telecommunications and Energy (TTE) Council. I share the concern of a number of Member States that the proposal may result in a ‘patchwork’ of time zones across the EU, causing unnecessary confusion and disruption to the Single Market. I also support the view that a full impact assessment of the proposal should be carried out.
The Government has made the Commission aware of the difficulties the proposed Directive would cause in Ireland if it were to result in two time zones on this island, and we have opposed the introduction of the proposed Directive on this basis.
Direct Provision System
Ceisteanna (338, 340, 341, 342, 343, 344, 345, 346)
Matt Carthy
Ceist:338. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if his attention has been drawn to reports concerning unsatisfactory conditions at the emergency accommodation for persons seeking international protection at a location (details supplied); if the reports have been investigated; his plans to cease the use of the location for emergency accommodation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12424/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra
Catherine Connolly
Ceist:340. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if a copy of the report by an organisation (details supplied) pursuant to the visit by it to the emergency direct provision centre in Miltown Malbay, County Clare, in February 2020 will be provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12542/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraCatherine Connolly
Ceist:341. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if a copy of the International Protection Appeals Tribunal report pursuant to the visit by it to the emergency direct provision centre in Miltown Malbay, County Clare, on 13 February 2020 will be provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12543/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraCatherine Connolly
Ceist:342. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Justice and Equality when the emergency direct provision centre at Miltown Malbay, County Clare, will be closed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12544/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraCatherine Connolly
Ceist:343. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if the emergency direct provision centre in Miltown Malbay, County Clare, has a current fire certificate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12545/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraCatherine Connolly
Ceist:344. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the training the owner and operator of the emergency direct provision centre in Miltown Malbay, County Clare, received in advance of or following the opening of the centre; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12546/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraCatherine Connolly
Ceist:345. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of bed spaces being paid for in the emergency direct provision centre in Miltown Malbay, County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12547/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraCatherine Connolly
Ceist:346. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the communications, including the date received and from whom, his Department and-or the IPAS has received concerning conditions at the emergency direct provision in Miltown Malbay, County Clare, since the centre opened; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12548/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 338 and 340 to 346, inclusive, together.
The premises accommodating international protection applicants at Miltown Malbay in Co Clare was contracted by my Department as temporary accommodation due to insufficient capacity within our accommodation portfolio. This situation continues with over 1,500 persons currently in emergency accommodation.
Temporary premises are contracted on short term rolling contracts and the current contract for the premises known as the Central Hostel runs up to and including 18 July 2020. As with all our temporary accommodation, the contract will be reviewed with respect to the overall capacity available within our accommodation portfolio. The contract for the premises is for 40 beds. It has a current occupancy of 19 single males, approximately 50% capacity, due to the social distancing measures we have implemented as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
As is the case with all our temporary accommodation, my Department contracts to meet an immediate need for accommodation places to provide the accommodation, food and other essential services that all international protection applicants are entitled to under our legal obligations. It is important to note that such accommodation premises are not Direct Provision accommodation centres. They are hotels and guesthouses that contract with the Department to provide accommodation and food on a short term basis. Therefore, my Department has not contracted the accommodation owner or the staff of the premises to provide additional services which require specific training.
Officials in the International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) of my Department's Immigration Service Delivery function are in daily contact with the manager in Miltown Malbay and provide any assistance and guidance requested. Any complaints received from residents are raised by IPAS officials with management for their appropriate resolution.
The matter of a fire certificate for the premises is an issue for the relevant Local Authority. Any premises offering a commercial accommodation service is required to be in compliance with the relevant planning and health and safety requirements for such a building. However, I am advised that no issues have been identified in this regard.
With regard to communications received by my Department concerning conditions at the premises in Miltown Malbay, I can say that IPAS received a letter in early February this year from the Clare Immigrant Support Centre in respect of the accommodation. This was responded to and the issues addressed by an unannounced visit by my officials on 13 February. My Department also received correspondence from the Miltown Malbay Welcome Group on 25 May 2020. My Department has subsequently received numerous correspondence following on from that correspondence and subsequent media interest. Correspondence has been received from public representatives and private individuals, including individual letters and emails from members of the Welcome Group.
On 4 June 2020, officials from IPAS held a clinic via video call with residents of the centre. This was attended by 12 of the 19 residents. The clinic was held off-site in the Miltown Malbay Community Centre and was facilitated by a volunteer from the Limerick and Clare Educational Training Board (LCETB). Other than the residents and the facilitator, only the manager of the Community Centre and the caretaker were present onsite at the time.
Each resident attended their own clinic appointment in a separate room away from the facilitator and the manager of the Community Centre.
A small number of the residents who participated in the clinics stated that the food was not to their liking. The majority of residents who attended the clinic stated they were happy with the food and with the accommodation in general.
Following the clinics, an unannounced visit was made to the accommodation the next day (5 June 2020) by a senior official from my Department. During this visit, a number of issues raised in recent correspondence to my Office were investigated. I am pleased to inform the Deputy that no health and safety issues were identified during this visit during which all rooms were viewed.
Concerns had previously been raised with my Office around rodent activity on the premises and water leakage. I am advised that there was no evidence of any rodent activity or water leakage on the day my official visited. When questioned by my official on these matters, the owner confirmed that a resident had reported mice in his room in February. The owner engaged a pest control company who could not find any evidence of rodents. They subsequently monitored the room for three weeks and could not find any evidence of rodents. Regarding the water leakage, I am advised that the owner confirmed that an incident occurred some months ago where water was leaking from a bath/shower on the second floor into a bedroom on the first floor. It was reported to him by the residents in the room and he sought to engage a plumber. One of the residents said he was a plumber and asked if he could fix it. It was addressed within a few hours and no reoccurrence of the leakage has been reported since.
My official identified no concerns about the quality or variety of food available during their visit. Food is prepared onsite by a professional chef and all meat is Halal certified. Residents also have use of the kitchen for special occasions and regularly cook meals of their choice from food supplied by management. Arrangements were also made during Ramadan recently for residents to use the kitchen at night.
During the course of the unannounced visit by IPAS officials on 13 February last, they inspected all bedrooms and recreation rooms and the kitchen and dining facilities and they had lunch with the residents. I am advised that my officials did not find any major issues to report and the residents they spoke to did not raise any issues about the standard of the centre. The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) also carried out a visit to the premises in February as part of a programme of visits to a variety of centres over a two week period. As an independent organisation there is no requirement for the IOM to provide my Department with a report of their activities. However, I can say that no specific issues were brought to my Department's attention regarding the premises arising from their visit.
European Arrest Warrant
Ceisteanna (339)
Matt Carthy
Ceist:339. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of requests received under the European Arrest Warrant Act 2003 that sought the extradition of persons for murder or attempted murder offences in 2019 and to date in 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12425/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The European Arrest Warrant provides for an enhanced extradition process within the European Union. It is a valuable mechanism that helps to keep the public across the EU safer, by providing an efficient process for apprehension and transfer of dangerous criminals, including those suspected of involvement in the offences of murder or attempted murder as referred to by the Deputy.
The following table sets out the number of requests which have been received under the European Arrest Warrant Act 2003, seeking the extradition of persons for murder or attempted murder offences, in the years requested by the Deputy.
|
Year |
Number of relevant requests |
|
2019 |
57 |
|
2020 (as of 18 June) |
21 |
Questions Nos. 340 to 346, inclusive, answered with Question No. 338.