Written Answers Nos. 622-641
622. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if measures will be put in place to ensure that students that were born here and or have been long term resident in Ireland but are not Irish, UK, EEA or Swiss citizens will be able to avail of the free fees scheme and apply for SUSI grants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25385/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the terms of the student grant scheme, grant assistance is awarded to students who meet the prescribed conditions of funding including those which relate to nationality, residency, previous academic attainment and means. The nationality requirements for the student grant scheme are set out in section 14 of the Student Support Act 2011 and regulation 5 of the Student Support Regulations 2020. To qualify for a student grant, it is the candidate's nationality or his/her immigration status in the State that determines whether or not he/she meets the nationality requirement outlined in the Act and Regulations.
The Department of Justice and Equality adjudicates on a person's entitlement to remain in the State and on the stamp that is awarded where permission to remain is sanctioned
Article 32 of the Student Grant Scheme 2020 provides for a review of eligibility for the award of a grant in the event of a change of circumstances in the academic year, including a change in relation to a student's nationality or immigration status. Where a student acquires Irish citizenship by naturalisation, or is granted one of the permission to remain criterion provided for in the Act or Regulations during the course of their studies, he/she may apply to SUSI to have his/her application re-assessed.
Where an individual applicant has had an appeal turned down in writing by SUSI and remains of the view that the scheme has not been interpreted correctly in his/her case, an appeal form outlining the position may be submitted by the applicant to the independent Student Grants Appeals Board.
Under the Departments Free Fees Initiative, the Exchequer pays tuition fees on behalf of eligible students attending approved full-time undergraduate courses. In order to qualify for funding under the Department’s Free Fees Initiative, students must meet the criteria of the scheme including the separate residency and nationality/citizenship requirements of the scheme.
Students must hold inter alia EU/EEA/Swiss/UK nationality or certain permissions to reside in the state as granted by the Minister for Justice in their own right and have been ordinarily resident in an EU/EEA/Swiss/UK state for at least three of the five years preceding their entry to an approved third level course.
Where students do not qualify for free fees funding, they must pay the appropriate fee, either EU or Non-EU, as determined by each higher education institution. These institutions are autonomous bodies and the level of fee payable by students who do not meet the requirements of the free fees scheme is a matter for the relevant institution to determine in accordance with their own criteria.
623. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if apprentices’ off-the-job training can be scheduled in a way that means they will be closer to home in view of Covid-19; and if not, if additional funding will be provided for their accommodation allowance. [25466/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe scheduling of craft apprentice off-the-job training is undertaken by SOLAS. Craft apprentices are called for off-the-job training on a longest waiting basis on the day of scheduling to the nearest available Education and Training Board or Institute of Technology. Craft apprentices are entitled to make an application for a travel or accommodation allowance in addition to their weekly training allowance for the duration of the off-the-job training.
Given the relatively small numbers of annual registrations for certain apprenticeships it is not feasible or cost-effective to offer the off-the-job training phase in multiple locations. Unfortunately for some apprentices this means that it is impossible to avoid having to attend training facilities that are not convenient to their locality. Apprentices are informed of the scheduling process at their mandatory induction training.
624. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if financial supports or subsidies will be provided to students whose third level course is delivered primarily or totally online; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25514/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government has provided funding in the amount of €168m for further and higher education institutions and students to support the return to education. Within this the additional funding provided for student supports will be of assistance to many students particularly those with the least financial resources.
As part of the package of supports my Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science has allocated €15 million of capital funding for a once-off Covid-19 Grant to support disadvantaged students in accessing ICT devices. This grant is being made available to further and higher education institutions. The institutions are using the grant funding to purchase devices to support disadvantaged students who are encountering challenges in accessing devices for online and blended learning. The distribution of the devices, and the associated terms and conditions, will be a matter for each individual further or higher education provider.
Where students who qualify for the statutory based SUSI grant scheme have approved course delivered through blended or on-line in 2020 as part of the COVID response, they will have their student grant continued as normal. Under the terms of the student grant scheme, grant assistance is awarded to students who meet the prescribed conditions of funding including those relating to approved course, approved nationality, residency, previous academic attainment and means.
Students in third-level institutions experiencing exceptional financial need can apply for support under the Student Assistance Fund. This Fund assists full-time and part-time students, in a sensitive and compassionate manner, who might otherwise be unable to continue their third level studies due to their financial circumstances. Details of this fund are available from the Access Office in the higher education institution (HEI) attended. Institutions have the autonomy to maximise the flexibility in the Student Assistance Fund to support students during the Covid 19 pandemic.
The package of Covid 19 supports referred to above, includes a further €10m in access supports for students. Most of this money will be used to top up the Student Assistance Fund, with remaining funding used to support students via the access services in the higher education institutions.
Also part of the package of financial supports for the Higher Education and Further Education and Training sector to mitigate against the direct financial impact of COVID-19, is an additional funding of €3m for mental wellbeing and health services reprioritised by the HEA for their designated institutions.
I will continue to work with further and higher education providers, agencies and key stakeholders including student representatives to mitigate the additional pressures faced as a result of covid-19.
625. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if student contribution fees will be reduced for third-level students whose course is delivered primarily or totally online; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25650/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Department’s free fees schemes, the Exchequer provides funding toward the tuition fee costs of eligible undergraduate Higher Education students with students paying the student contribution.
The student contribution fee is currently set at €3,000 per annum and can be paid in instalments. The State pays the contribution in full or part for approximately 44% of students eligible for free fees funding through SUSI.
I am very conscious of the impact of the pandemic has had on our students. In July I announced the provision of additional student assistance including a doubling of the Student Assistance Fund, and a €15 million technology fund for devices for students in further and higher education to assist with difficulties in accessing technology to facilitate their course work in a blended capacity. These supports will be distributed through the colleges and further education providers.
The Programme for Government undertakes to provide a long term sustainable funding model for higher education. In addition the range of student supports operated by SUSI will be subject to review. An important objective will be to ensure access to and continued participation in higher education by students from disadvantaged backgrounds.
In relation to the preparation underway for the new academic year in the context of the Covid pandemic, Higher Education Institutions have been undertaking detailed planning and contingencies for re-opening and communicating these to students and learners in the interest of public health of students, staff and communities, this will entail blended learning, combining both online and onsite provision.
Higher Education Institutions have published their academic calendars, with information on the dates for orientation and the beginning of teaching for the autumn semester. Most have indicated in broad terms the balance of time for students between on-campus and online learning. I have highlighted the requirement for all HEIs to provide clarity to their students as soon as possible and to prioritise the overall student experience in line with public health advice.
The delivery of further and higher education in the context of Covid-19 will cost the providers more not less. The Government has provided additional funding in the amount of €168m to support the return of students to further and higher education. Since the student contribution is an important source of revenue for higher education it is not possible to abolish student contribution fees. However the additional funding provided for student supports will be of assistance to many students particularly those with the least financial resources.
I will continue to work with further and higher education providers, agencies and key stakeholders including student representatives to mitigate the additional pressures faced as a result of covid-19.
626. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Justice the number of road traffic collisions involving cars driven by underaged, uninsured or provisionally licensed drivers, respectively from 2010 to 2019 and to date in 2020, in tabular form. [24776/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra627. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Justice the number of serious or fatal road traffic collisions involving cars driven by underaged, uninsured or provisionally licensed drivers respectively, from 2010 to 2019 and to date in 2020, in tabular form. [24777/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 626 and 627 together.
I have requested information from An Garda Síochána on the matter requested by the Deputy and will write directly to the Deputy when it is received.
|
Category |
2010 |
2011 |
2012 |
2013 |
2014 |
2015 |
2016 |
2017 |
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
|
Provisionally Licensed Drivers |
467 |
442 |
496 |
384 |
461 |
536 |
523 |
441 |
435 |
352 |
184 |
|
Uninsured Drivers |
241 |
231 |
231 |
194 |
416 |
407 |
525 |
491 |
505 |
463 |
232 |
|
Underage Drivers |
30 |
20 |
24 |
18 |
21 |
20 |
25 |
18 |
26 |
26 |
20 |
|
Category |
2010 |
2011 |
2012 |
2013 |
2014 |
2015 |
2016 |
2017 |
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
|
Provisionally Licensed Drivers |
38 |
38 |
36 |
26 |
54 |
51 |
73 |
85 |
87 |
92 |
42 |
|
Uninsured Drivers |
52 |
44 |
41 |
27 |
83 |
73 |
115 |
119 |
148 |
159 |
70 |
|
Underage Drivers |
3 |
4 |
4 |
2 |
5 |
1 |
4 |
7 |
12 |
13 |
6 |
628. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Justice the number of Syrians granted asylum to date in 2020; his plans to increase the number of Syrians being granted asylum here; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24925/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraLast December, a second phase of the Irish Refugee Protection Programme (IRPP) was announced giving a commitment to welcome a further 2,900 refugees between this year and 2023, through a combination of resettlement and community sponsorship.
In terms of resettlements, 650 refugees will be resettled this year, 700 next year, 750 in 2022 and 800 in 2023. The arrivals for the first two years will largely comprise of Syrian refugees resident in Jordan and Lebanon, along with a pilot group of Eritrean refugees resident in Ethiopia. Any decision to amend the existing criteria or expand the current agreement is a matter for the Government following consultation with the UNHCR.
So far in 2020, no resettlements have taken place due to the COVID-19 pandemic and other international restrictions on travel. It is hoped to resume operations before the end of the current year and the IRPP staff in my Department are currently engaging with international partners to share a collective experience of how best to resume arrivals and the lessons learned to date.
I can also confirm that a total of 48 Syrian nationals have been granted refugee status to date during 2020. These were on foot of applications made under the International Protection Act 2015, and are assessed outside of the IRPP. All applicants for international protection are carefully interviewed and their cases are individually assessed by experienced caseworkers in the International Protection Office (IPO) who operate independently in their function under the International Protection Act 2015.
629. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Justice the average turnaround time for a Dublin-based online application for renewal of a residence permit; the number of applications received in Dublin since 20 July 2020; the number of applications processed in Dublin to date; and the number of applications in Dublin yet to be processed. [24695/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Immigration Service of my Department is currently processing approximately 16,000 applications submitted by persons seeking to renew their immigration registration.
Significant demand accumulated during the four months that the Registration Office was closed due to COVID-19. To assist in addressing this demand, a new online system for the renewal of Registrations in the Dublin area was developed and launched on 20 July, enabling applicants to engage with the Registration Office without the need to attend in person at Burgh Quay.
Since the launch of the new online renewal system, my Department has received over 27,000 applications. The volume of applications, together with the reduced capacity of the Registration Office due to social distancing requirements, has resulted in longer than anticipated processing times. The current expected processing time is 6 to 7 weeks from the date of receipt. However, my officials have already completed approximately 11,000 of these cases. The Registration Office has also processed over 4,000 in-person first time registrations since reopening its Public Office.
My Department recognises the difficulties that such delays may cause for applicants and it is providing additional resources to the Registration Office to increase its capacity to handle current and expected demand over the coming period and to reduce processing wait times as much as possible. Where an applicant urgently needs their passport for travel or other such reasons, they should email the Registration Office at burghquayregoffice@justice.ie and set out the circumstances involved.
As I announced on 18 September 2020, a further temporary extension of immigration and international protection permissions has been granted to 20 January 2021. This applies to permissions that are due to expire between 20 September 2020 and 20 January 2021 and to the same 3 primary categories of persons as before:
1. Those who are renewing their permission;
2. Those awaiting a first registration; and
3. Those in the country on a short stay visa who are unable to return home due to uncertainties caused by the coronavirus pandemic.
This provides certainty to anyone who already holds a valid permission that their legal status in this country is maintained until 20 January 2021. Renewal is on the same basis as the existing permission and the same conditions will continue to apply.
The extension provides the necessary time to make arrangements with the Immigration Service in Dublin or An Garda Síochána outside Dublin to ensure that registrations are renewed in the normal way by that date. I encourage people to do so at the earliest opportunity and not to wait until January to do so.
All renewals in the Dublin area are being processed online only since 20 July 2020, at: https://inisonline.jahs.ie. Renewals outside of the Dublin area are processed by the Garda National Immigration Bureau through the Garda Station network. Information on the contact details for all the registration offices outside Dublin is available at: https://www.garda.ie/en/about-us/our-departments/office-of-corporate-communications/news-media/reopening-of-registration-offices.html .
630. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Justice the additional resources put into place to increase capacity to process applications for immigration permissions. [24696/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Immigration Service of my Department is constantly reviewing its capacity and providing additional resources as required to enable the efficient processing of applications for immigration permissions in the State and the registration and renewal of those permissions.
Significant demand accumulated during the four months that the Registration Office of the Immigration Service of my Department was closed due to COVID-19. To assist in addressing this demand, a new online system for the renewal of Registrations in the Dublin area was developed and launched on 20 July, enabling applicants to engage with the Registration Office without the need to attend in person at Burgh Quay.
Since the launch of the new online renewal system, my Department has received some 27,000 renewal applications. The volume of applications for the renewal of permissions online, together with the reduced capacity of the Registration Office due to social distancing requirements, has resulted in longer than anticipated processing times. However, my officials have already completed approximately 11,000 of these online renewal cases.
The Registration Office of the Immigration Service of my Department is currently processing the remaining approximately 16,000 applications that have been sent in by people seeking to renew their immigration registration. My Department recognises the difficulties that delays may cause for applicants and it is providing additional resources to the Registration Office to increase its capacity to handle current and expected demand. Where an applicant urgently needs their passport for travel or other such reasons, they should email the Registration Office at burghquayregoffice@justice.ie and set out the circumstances involved.
Starting on 24 August 2020, the Public Office is also accepting applications for first time registrations on an appointment basis which requires presentation in person by the applicant. Priority for appointment allocation was given initially to those who had their application for first time registration cancelled when the Office closed in March. Following this, the online appointment system for new first time applicants went live again on 28 August 2020, with almost 2,000 appointments offered to date. Further appointments are being continually added. It is planned to significantly increase capacity over the coming months. My Department registers persons residing in the Dublin area only. The Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB) processes all applications outside of Dublin through the Garda Station network.
On 18 September 2020, I announced a further temporary extension of immigration and international protection permissions to 20 January 2021. This applies to permissions that are due to expire between 20 September 2020 and 20 January 2021. Renewal is on the same basis as the existing permission and the same conditions will continue to apply.
The extension provides the necessary time to make arrangements with the Immigration Service in Dublin or An Garda Síochána outside Dublin to ensure that registrations are renewed in the normal way by that date. I encourage people to do so at the earliest opportunity and not to wait until January to do so.
All renewals in the Dublin area are being processed online only since 20 July 2020, at: https://inisonline.jahs.ie. Renewals outside of the Dublin area are processed by the Garda National Immigration Bureau through the Garda Station network. Information on the contact details for all the registration offices outside Dublin is available at: https://www.garda.ie/en/about-us/our-departments/office-of-corporate-communications/news-media/reopening-of-registration-offices.html .
As regards visa processing, a limited resumption of visa services commenced from 22 June 2020. During this initial resumption phase, my Department is only accepting Long Stay “D” visa applications, including Study, as well as those identified under our current criteria as Emergency/Priority visas. It remains the position that we are not yet accepting any short stay visa applications, except for cases that fall under the Emergency/Priority criteria.
My Department is providing regular updates on all immigration related matters on the Immigration Service website: http://www.inis.gov.ie . A detailed Frequently Asked Questions document on the COVID-19 impact on immigration and international protection can also be found on the website. This document is also regularly updated and can be found at:
http://www.inis.gov.ie/en/INIS/Immigration-Service-Delivery-Covid-19-FAQ4.pdf/Files/Immigration-Service-Delivery-Covid-19-FAQ4.pdf .
631. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Justice her plans to examine a further extension in respect of immigration permissions due to expire between 20 August and 20 September 2020. [24697/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraLast week, I announced a further temporary extension of immigration and international protection permissions to 20 January 2021. This applies to permissions that are due to expire between 20 September 2020 and 20 January 2021, and to the same three primary categories of persons as before:
1. Those who are renewing their permission;
2. Those awaiting a first registration; and
3. Those who are in the country on a short stay visa who are unable to return home due to uncertainties caused by the coronavirus pandemic.
This measure provides certainty to anyone who already holds a valid permission that their legal status in this country is maintained until 20 January 2021. Renewal is on the same basis as the existing permission and the same conditions will continue to apply.
The extension provides the necessary time to make arrangements with the Immigration Service in Dublin or An Garda Síochána outside Dublin to ensure that registrations are renewed in the normal way by that date. I encourage people to do so at the earliest opportunity and not to wait until January to do so.
All renewals in the Dublin area are being processed online only since 20 July 2020, at: https://inisonline.jahs.ie. Renewals outside of the Dublin area are processed by the Garda National Immigration Bureau through the Garda Station network. Information on the contact details for all the registration offices outside Dublin is available at:
https://www.garda.ie/en/about-us/our-departments/office-of-corporate-communications/news-media/reopening-of-registration-offices.html
.
632. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Justice the status of plans for a significant overhaul and reform of the way in which accommodation is provided to asylum seekers; the details of increases in resources for the hearing of asylum applications and appeals; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24707/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Programme for Government contains a commitment to end the current system of Direct Provision within the lifetime of the Government and to replace it with a new international protection accommodation policy, centred on a not-for-profit approach.
Last year, Dr Catherine Day was asked 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. Any new system for the provision of accommodation and additional supports to international protection applicants will be informed by the Report of this Expert Group. The Report is expected to be submitted to Government shortly for consideration.
A White Paper considering the totality of the international protection process, including the provision of accommodation, will be informed by the Group's Report and will be published by the end of this year. While my Department currently holds responsibility for the accommodation system and the implementation of reception standards, this responsibility will shortly transfer to my colleague, the Minister for Children, Disability, Equality and Integration once the Transfer of Functions is completed.
I can also confirm that an additional budget of €1m was allocated to the Immigration Service Delivery area of my Department in 2020, which included provision for additional staffing to fast-track international protection applications. Resources were allocated which allowed for the introduction of video interviews of protection applicants living outside of Dublin for the first time.
633. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Justice if there are circumstances to allow the granting of citizenship to elderly Irish persons that have lived here their entire lives but happen to be born in England, Scotland or Wales as their parents had been migrant workers there and then returned home soon after the baby was born; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24734/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraA person may be entitled to Irish citizenship through their parent(s) or grandparent(s), regardless of where the child was born, if they are eligible for Irish citizenship through descent.
If either parent was an Irish citizen at the time of the child's birth, they are an Irish citizen, irrespective of their place of birth. If the parent from whom they derive Irish citizenship was not alive at the time of their birth, but would have been an Irish citizen if alive at that time, they are also an Irish citizen. A person can derive citizenship through an Irish parent whether or not the parents were married to each other at the time of their birth.
If a person was born outside Ireland to an Irish citizen who was himself or herself born outside Ireland, and any of their grandparents was born in Ireland, then they are entitled to become an Irish citizen, and can do so by having their birth registered in the Foreign Births Register maintained by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. Further information can be found at: https://www.dfa.ie/passports-citizenship/citizenship/born-abroad/registering-a-foreign-birth/ .
If they are of the third or subsequent generation born abroad to an Irish citizen (in other words, one of their parents is an Irish citizen but none of their parents or grandparents was born in Ireland), they may be entitled to become an Irish citizen by having their birth registered in the Foreign Births Register. This depends on whether the parent through whom they derive Irish citizenship had himself or herself become an Irish citizen by being registered in the Foreign Births Register before the person was born.
If a person is entitled to register, their Irish citizenship is effective from the date of registration. The Irish citizenship of successive generations may be maintained in this way by each generation ensuring registration in the Foreign Births Register before the birth of the next generation.
More information can be found on the Immigration Service website at: https://www.irishimmigration.ie/citizenship/ .
634. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Justice the status of an application for update of travel documents by a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24736/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe person concerned made an application for a travel document through the Immigration Service of my Department on 24 February 2020. I can confirm that their application has now been finalised and a decision letter issued to the person concerned on 18 September 2020.
Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to the Immigration Service 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 is, in the Deputy's view, inadequate or too long awaited.
635. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice the steps she is taking to address the issue of the unsafe and illegal use of fireworks in numerous areas of Dublin and the fear it is causing local communities; if more Garda resources will be made available; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24768/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy may be aware, the importation and use of fireworks are controlled under law in the interests of safety and security. Government policy restricts the availability of all hazardous fireworks to the general public. Licences under the Explosives Act are issued by my Department only for the importation of fireworks which are to be used in organised displays conducted by professional and competent operators.
Having said that, I am all too conscious of the numerous incidents, and sadly some serious accidents arising from the use of illegal fireworks. I understand this is particularly acute this year.
Every year, as we approach Halloween, my Department runs an awareness raising initiative aimed at ensuring the public is aware of the dangers of illegal fireworks and bonfires.
An example of the penalties faced include a fine of up to €10,000 and up to five years imprisonment if convicted of having fireworks in your possession with intent to sell or supply. Igniting fireworks or throwing an ignited firework at a person or property is also liable to the same severe penalty. These penalties demonstrate the seriousness attached to breeches of the legislation governing the importation and use of fireworks.
As well as Part 6 of the Criminal Justice Act 2006 which gives An Garda Síochána the power to make arrests in relation to the possession of unlicensed fireworks, a number of strong legislative provisions are available to Gardaí to combat anti-social behaviour more generally and include -
the Criminal Damage Act 1991;
- Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act 1994;
- the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act 2003; and
- the Intoxicating Liquor Acts 2003 and 2008.
As well as the awareness raising work undertaken by my Department in the run up to Halloween, additional efforts are made by An Garda Síochána at this time of year to combat the illegal importation, sale and use of fireworks, which is known as Operation Tombola.
I have spoken to the Garda Commissioner and he has informed me that policing plans under the auspices of “Operation Tombola”, which are tailored to the demands and unique challenges of each Division in the DMR, have been implemented, and in fact commenced one month earlier than on previous years as of the 4 September, 2020. In addition, to assist local management in supplying additional personnel over the Halloween weekend, annual leave not already sanctioned for this period has been cancelled, effective as of the 4 September, 2020.
The plans under "Operation Tombola" include an overt uniform presence and a covert element where appropriate. I understand that local Garda management throughout the DMR are in the process of engaging with relevant stakeholders including the local authority’s to identify, co-ordinate and implement an appropriate multi-agency strategy for the Halloween period. As the Deputy may appreciate liaison with Local Authorities, plays an important part of “Operation Tombola”, in the removal of bonfire materials between now and Halloween.
The Garda authorities have advised me that throughout the DMR, Community Gardaí together with the Divisional Crime Prevention Officer will promote the awareness of the dangers associated with fireworks. Liaison with known companies previously targeted for bonfire materials has also commenced and crime prevention advice has been provided to manage waste and limit opportunities. Community Policing Units in each District work proactively with the local County Council regarding the retrieval of bonfire material.
There is a dedicated operation in the DMR specifically focused on targeting anti-social behaviour, the sale/supply of illegal fireworks and to detect the illegal importation of fireworks in the lead up to Halloween.
Since the 16 August, 2020 to the 6 September, 2020, AGS have seized a significant number of fireworks, in some instances resulting in a prosecution under the Explosives Act, 1875 (as substituted by Section 68 of the Criminal Justice Act, 2006). An Garda Síochána will continue to pay appropriate attention and take effective action in relation to instances involving fireworks. Community Policing Gardaí will also liaise with various Community groups regarding alternative events around Halloween, particularly this year on account of the implications of the Health Act, 1947 (Section 31A-Temporary restrictions)(Covid19) Regulations, 2020, particularly in relation to gatherings.
As the Deputy is aware the Garda Commissioner is statutorily responsible for the management of An Garda Síochána, including personnel matters and deployment of resources. As Minister, I have no responsibility for these matters. I am assured however that Garda management keeps the distribution of resources under continual review in the context of crime trends and policing priorities, to their optimum use.
636. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Justice the number of prosecutions for the supply of a motorised vehicle to a person under 18 years of age from 2010 to 2019 and to date in 2020, in tabular form. [24775/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy will appreciate that road traffic legislation falls within the remit of my colleague, the Minister for Transport.
I am informed that under section 30 of the Road Traffic Act 2004, it is an offence to supply a mechanically propelled vehicle (a) to a person who is under the age of 16 years, or (b ) other than a mechanically propelled vehicle in respect of which a person who has attained the age of 16 years is entitled to hold a driving licence to drive, to a person who is under the age of 17 years. Section 30 (2) provides that a person found guilty of the above offence is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding €3,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 6 months or to both. In this section “supply”, includes supply by way of sale, hire, loan, gift, or other means of making the vehicle available to a person.
As the Deputy is aware, under the provisions of the Courts Service Act 1998, the management of the courts is the responsibility of the Courts Service, which is independent in exercising its functions. This includes the provision of information on the courts system.
However, in order to be of assistance, I have made appropriate enquiries and the Courts Service has advised that the following table contains the information sought by the Deputy:
Report on the numer of prosecutions for the supply of a motorised vehicle to a person under 18 years of age between the years 2010 – July 2020
|
-Year |
No. offences |
Orders |
|
Jan – Dec 2017 |
1 |
Struck Out |
|
Jan – Dec 2019 |
1 |
Withdrawn |
I am further advised by the Courts Service that they can only provide data where offence codes provided on the system were used by prosecutors. Prosecutors may have used uncoded free text offences and any such offences would not be included in the data provided above.
637. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Justice the status of the implementation of commitments made in the Migrant Integration Strategy (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24789/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Communities Integration Fund was first established in 2017 to implement the commitment under Action 51 of the Migrant Integration Strategy to support actions by local communities throughout Ireland to promote the integration of migrants and refugees.
Organisations eligible to apply include local community groups, sports clubs, faith-based groups, arts groups, formal and informal schools and theatrical and cultural organisations. Applicant organisations must operate on a not-for-profit basis. Projects under the following themes will be considered:
- Intercultural Awareness
- Combating Racism and Xenophobia
- Sport & Community Games
- Arts
- Other Community Events
- Capacity Building
- Integration Research
- Food/Cuisine
- Education
This funding can be used for both once-off initiatives and short to medium term projects. Projects take an inclusive approach, aiming to bring migrants a nd host communities together, and may not be directed solely to any one particular group or nationality.
The Communities Integration Fund 2019 had funding capacity of €500,000 and a maximum grant of €5,000 per project. There were 125 successful applications and applications from 25 counties.
The Communities Integration Fund 2020, was launched on 19 June 2020, and the application period closed on 16 July 2020. It also has funding capacity of €500,000. My Department has received 332 applications for funding. They are currently being assessed and the results will be known in the next couple of weeks.
The Migrant Integration Strategy contains 12 actions focussed on addressing the educational needs of migrants and the implementation of these actions falls under the remit of my colleague, the Minister for Education and Skills.
In respect of initiatives to encourage the business sector to play a role in promoting integration, my Department is participating in the implementation of the National Action Plan on Corporate Social Responsibility and supporting the promotion of the Diversity Charter among businesses in Ireland. Various funding streams launched by my Department have included initiatives aimed at encouraging and improving the promotion of migrant employment in the private sector. For example, the EU's Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund (AMIF) and the European Social Fund (ESF) were utilised by my Department to fund the EPIC programme (Employment for People from Immigrant Communities), which is implemented by Business in the Community Ireland (BITCI). Further actions and initiatives will be considered.
With regard to the establishment of a working group to examine data gaps in relation to migrant needs and experience, the Integration Data Group was formed in 2018. The following organisations were represented on the group: the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection; the Department of Education and Skills; the Department of Health; the Central Statistics Office (CSO), the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI); and my own Department. Arising from the Migration Integration Strategy commitments, my Department commissioned research on “Mapping Data Needs for Migrant Integration” from the ESRI as part of the 2017-2019 Research Programme on Equality and Integration. This research was carried out in 2018 and the report Data for Monitoring Integration: Gaps, Challenges and Opportunities was published in March 2019. The report can be found at -
https://www.esri.ie/publications/data-for-monitoring-integration-gaps-challenges-and-opportunities
638. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Justice the number of peace commissioners in County Tipperary; the number of peace commissioners in each district; the name and address of each peace commissioner in the county; the frequency with which peace commissioner lists are updated in order to take into account the death or incapacity of a peace commissioner; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24824/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy may be aware, Peace Commissioners are appointed by the Minister for Justice and Equality under Section 88 of the Courts of Justice Act, 1924.
Peace Commissioners are empowered to act in their county of assignment and within the counties adjoining that county. There are 294 Peace Commissioners in County Tipperary.
I attach, as requested by the Deputy, information on the number of Peace Commissioners in each Garda sub-district in County Tipperary and the name and addresses of the Peace Commissioners in County Tipperary.
I wish to advise that, while every effort is made to maintain the accuracy of this information, it should be noted that Peace Commissioner records are appointment based and they do not always reflect the actual situation on the ground. This is because my Department is reliant on the Peace Commissioners and other interested parties to advise of changes in circumstances which may occur subsequent to appointment. The addresses of the Peace Commissioners are as provided by the Peace Commissioners themselves.
Therefore, I would advise that individuals requesting the services of a Peace Commissioner should also contact local Gardaí to ensure that a particular listed individual is active and available.
The Deputy may also wish to note that details of appointed Peace Commissioners are also retained by the Peace Commissioner Unit in my Department and my officials are happy to assist any individuals who require the services of a Peace Commissioner.
They can be contacted on (01) 4768637 or at info@justice.ie.
The number of Peace Commissioners in each Garda sub-district in County Tipperary:
|
-District: |
Total: |
|
Ardfinnan |
11 |
|
Ballingarry - South |
1 |
|
Ballingarry North |
3 |
|
Ballymacarbry |
2 |
|
Ballyporeen |
7 |
|
Bansha |
7 |
|
Borrisokane |
2 |
|
Borrisoleigh |
6 |
|
Cahir |
9 |
|
Cappawhite |
9 |
|
Carrick-on-Suir |
14 |
|
Cashel |
8 |
|
Clonmel |
37 |
|
Cloughjordan |
6 |
|
Dolla |
7 |
|
Dundrum |
6 |
|
Emly |
4 |
|
Fethard |
7 |
|
Golden |
3 |
|
Holycross |
5 |
|
Killenaule |
12 |
|
Littleton |
1 |
|
Moyne |
2 |
|
Mullinahone |
7 |
|
Nenagh |
19 |
|
New Inn |
4 |
|
Newport |
9 |
|
Oola |
1 |
|
Piltown |
2 |
|
Portroe |
2 |
|
Rearcross |
13 |
|
Roscrea |
9 |
|
Shevry |
8 |
|
Templederry |
4 |
|
Templemore |
9 |
|
Templetuohy |
3 |
|
Thurles |
10 |
|
Tipperary |
16 |
|
Toomevara |
5 |
|
Urlingford |
4 |
|
TOTAL |
294 |
Name and address of each Peace Commissioner in County Tipperary: 294
639. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice when the Probate Office will recommence processing CA24 personal probate applications; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24850/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Probate Office is an office of the High Court and management of the courts is the responsibility of the Courts Service which is independent in exercising its functions under the Courts Service Act 1998.
However, in order to be of assistance to the Deputy, I have had enquiries made and the Courts Service has informed me that the required work to the Dublin Probate Office in Smithfield to facilitate social distancing for callers to that office has now been completed.
A plan has been implemented to enable a return of the personal applicant service. Letters to personal applicants issued earlier in the month to invite them to appointments in the Probate Office, starting on Monday 21 September 2020. The priority in reopening the service is to ensure the health and safety of service users and staff. New health and safety processes are in place to ensure that the resumed service runs smoothly.
640. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice if funding has been secured for the provision of in-cell sanitation at block E Portlaoise Prison; the estimated cost of the project; when the works will commence; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24855/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe provision of safe and secure custody and dignity of care to those individuals in the penal system in Ireland is a priority area for my Department and the Irish Prison Service.
The Irish Prison Service commits in its capital strategy plan 2016-2021 to a prison estate that provides safe, secure and humane custody, that upholds the dignity of all users, and that reflects and supports a modern and progressive penal policy. It identifies as a priority, the full elimination of the practice referred to as ‘slopping out’, through provision of in-cell sanitation throughout the prison estate.
Very significant progress has already been made in that regard, to the extent that the practice has now been virtually eliminated in Irish prisons.
The Deputy will wish to be aware that I have been advised by the Irish Prison Service that a tender to undertake exploratory structural survey work at E Block Portlaoise, a building which dates back to the 1800s, is anticipated to be issued shortly.
The outcome of these exploratory works will inform the scope of work and cost estimate. Pending the completion of these works and the feasibility study it is not possible to give an estimate of the cost involved at this time.
The other accommodation blocks at Portlaoise Prison have in-cell sanitation.
I am advised by the Prison Service that the number of prisoners without access to in-cell sanitation has decreased from 465 in January 2014 to a total of 44 prisoners slopping out - 18 in Limerick and 26 in Portlaoise. This represents approximately 1% of the prison population.
I am further advised by the Irish Prison Service that it is expected that an invitation to tender for the provision of in-cell sanitation will be issued to the market in the first quarter of 2021. The project will be funded from the Prison Service capital budget.
When completed, this work and the redevelopment of Limerick Prison, which is currently in progress, will see the full elimination of slopping in the prison estate.
641. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice the estimated full year cost if the budget for the Data Protection Commission was increased by 12.5%; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24856/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government is committed to keeping the resourcing of the DPC under on-going review to ensure that it has what it needs to deliver. The gross expenditure allocation for the Data Protection Commission in 2020 is €16.9m. A 12.5% increase in this allocation would cost €2.1 million giving a total gross allocation for the vote of €19 million on a full year basis.
Significant increases in funding have been made available to the Data Protection Commission in recent years. This is in recognition of the additional scope and responsibilities of the Office. The budget has increased from €3.6 million in 2015 to €16.9 million in 2020. The budget of €16.9 million in 2020 is a 61% increase on the actual expenditure by the office of €10.5 million in2019.
That increase in budgetary provision further demonstrates the Government’s continuing commitment to meeting the funding requirements of the Irish data protection authority and the importance of a strong regulatory data protection framework to underpin the continuing expansion and growth of Ireland’s digital economy.
My Department, the Office of the DPC and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform are actively engaging on these matters in the lead-up to Budget 2021.
