Written Answers Nos. 701-722
701. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Justice the progress of legislation to deal with harmful and grossly offensive communications with intent to cause harm perpetrated online; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9538/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra'Coco's Law', which has been enacted as the Harassment, Harmful Communications and Related Offences Act 2020, made its way through the Houses of the Oireachtas and was signed into law by the President just before the end of last year. On the 9 February, Safer Internet Day, I signed the commencement order for the Act and the legislation entered into force on 10 February 2021.
702. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Justice the outcome of the review into the conduct of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9585/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra703. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Justice if it will be ensured that a member of the International Protection Appeals Tribunal (details supplied) does not have their membership renewed given their opposition to Covid-19 restrictions and their views on gay rights; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9586/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 702 and 703 together.
The International Protection Appeals Tribunal (IPAT) is a statutorily independent body and exercises a quasi-judicial function under the International Protection Act 2015.
I can confirm that a decision has been taken not to re-appoint the person concerned to the Tribunal, and the person concerned has been advised accordingly. Given the circumstances, it would not be appropriate for me to comment further.
704. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Justice the names and contact details for each special adviser requested for appointment by her, in tabular form. [9601/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn response to the Deputy's question, the names of the two special advisers appointed by me in my Department are Fiach Kelly and Patrick Cluskey.
Should you wish to make contact with Fiach or Patrick, please email minister@justice.ie.
705. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Justice the interactions and communications her Department has had with the Department of Health in relation to the migration status of non-EEA doctors since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic. [9631/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe employment of non-EEA doctors is a matter for the employing hospitals and the HSE and my Department ensures that they have the correct immigration permission in line with the work permission granted.
I recognise and acknowledge the crucial role non-EEA doctors are continuing to play in responding to the threat of Covid-19. They work in a challenging environment and deal with vulnerable people on a daily basis. Their exceptional commitment has been particularly clear throughout the pandemic, during which they have been playing a key role in preventing the spread of the Covid-19 virus.
Due to the restrictions imposed as a result of the pandemic, I have provided six extensions of immigration permission to 20 April 2021, to ensure that those requiring an immigration permission to work in the state could continue to do so including those providing frontline services. This renewal is on the same basis and with the same conditions attaching to the original permission.
In addition to the granting of immigration permission to doctors entering the State under the terms of an employment permit, issued by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, my Department also grants specific immigration permission to three distinct cohorts of doctors, under the Atypical Working Scheme (AWS), to allow them to work in the State, as follows:
- Locum doctors working in the General Practice;
- Locum doctors providing short-term or emergency cover in hospitals in the State; and
- Sponsored doctors from Gulf States travelling to Ireland to take part in the International Medical Graduate Training Initiative, operated by the HSE.
Just over 150 doctors were granted permissions under the Atypical Working Scheme in 2020 and my Department maintains close contact with the key stakeholders involved in the operation of the AWS in so far as it concerns doctors, including the Department of Health, the Health Services Executive, the National Association of GP Co-Ops and the Forum of Irish Postgraduate Medical Training Bodies.
Regarding citizenship, I was pleased to announce last month that a temporary system is now in place that will enable citizenship applicants to complete their naturalisation process by signing a statutory declaration of loyalty. This signed statutory declaration replaces the requirement for citizenship applicants to attend citizenship ceremonies, which have been temporarily suspended during COVID-19. It is expected that the 4,000 applicants currently waiting on naturalisation will have been provided with an opportunity to gain citizenship by the end of March and I am pleased to say that more than 500 certificates have recently issued and more will issue in the coming weeks. A significant number of healthcare and other frontline workers who have made extraordinary contributions during the pandemic will also benefit from these new arrangements.
706. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Justice the current waiting times for citizenship applications by EEA and non-EEA applicants, in tabular form. [9632/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra708. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Justice the approximate increase in waiting times for citizenship applications due to the Covid-19 pandemic; and if she will provide a year-on-year comparison of average waiting times between 2015 and 2020. [9634/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 706 and 708 together.
The average processing time for applications decided in 2020 was 13.5 months. Statistics are not maintained by the Immigration Service of my Department to provide for a breakdown between EEA and non-EEA applicants.
A number of issues have impacted on the processing of citizenship applications over the past 15 months. A High Court case which was subsequently successfully appealed to the Court of Appeal resulted in significant delays in 2019. As well as this, a significant backlog has built up regarding the granting of citizenships due to the inability to hold in person ceremonies during the pandemic, which has prevented the holding of such ceremonies. These are usually attended by hundreds of new citizens and have become a welcome addition to our public and civic life.
The combined impact of the Jones judgment and the Covid-19 disruption has resulted in the loss of over six months processing time. As a result, the processing timeline for standard applications has increased.
Quite aside from those specific issues, for a broad range of reasons, some cases will take longer than others to process. Processing timescales can be impacted by incomplete applications having to be returned; further documentation being required from the applicant; where the payment of the required certificate fee is awaited; or if the applicant has not been engaging with the Immigration Service.
In some instances, the input of several government agencies, both within and outside the jurisdiction is needed and the request and receipt of information from these sources can result in delays in processing some applications. Issues can also arise at the final stage of the naturalisation process, for example, where additional information comes to light which is required to be considered before a final decision is taken.
With regard to improvements to address these issues, last month, I announced that a temporary system is now in place that will help to significantly clear the backlog over the course of this year. The temporary system enables applicants to complete their naturalisation process by signing a statutory declaration of loyalty. This signed statutory declaration replaces the requirement for citizenship applicants to attend citizenship ceremonies, which have been temporarily suspended during Covid-19. The new system is in place from 18 January 2021, and my Department will communicate with applicants regarding the requirements, on a phased basis over the next few months until in-person citizenship ceremonies are able to recommence. It is expected that the 4,000 applicants currently waiting on naturalisation will have been provided with an opportunity to gain citizenship by the end of March and I am pleased to say that more than 500 certificates have issued over the last two weeks.
The average processing time in months for citizenship applications for the years 2015 – 2020 are set out in the table below.
|
Year |
Average Processing Time (Months) |
|
2015 |
7 |
|
2016 |
8 |
|
2017 |
7 |
|
2018 |
10 |
|
2019 |
11.5 |
|
2020 |
13.5 |
707. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Justice the criteria used within the citizenship process to judge if an applicant is of good character. [9633/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe granting of Irish citizenship through naturalisation under the provisions of the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956, as amended, is a privilege and an honour which confers certain rights and entitlements, not only within the State but also at European Union, as well as international level. It is therefore important that appropriate procedures are in place to ensure that the integrity of the process is held in high regard both at home and internationally. Section 15 of the Act specifically refers to good character.
Irish citizenship, and by extension an Irish passport, is one of the most sought after in the world. Ireland, in common with many nations, has a requirement that applicants demonstrate that they are of good character. What exactly good character entails evolves over time, not least to take account of the enactment of new laws. However, an applicant needs to have demonstrated a history of compliance to the laws of the land. An applicant's good character is assessed in a number of ways, including but not limited to:
- An Garda Síochána vetting;
- Home Country Police clearance; and
- Adherence to the laws and regulations of the State. (This includes laws and regulations relating to revenue, social welfare and driving and transport).
The application form for naturalisation specifically requires the applicant to list any offences and also provides an opportunity to provide additional details regarding any such offences. The fact that a person has committed an offence does not automatically result in their refusal. The individual facts of each case are assessed. Applicants who are refused are provided with the reasons for their refusal.
The Immigration Service of my Department is currently preparing detailed guidelines on the good character criterion, which will be published on the website when finalised.
709. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Minister for Justice further to Parliamentary Question No. 281 of 13 February 2018, if posthumous pardons for women convicted of offences related to their protest for the right to vote will be progressed (details supplied); the work carried out by her Department on this matter; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9640/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy will be aware that the power of pardon rests solely with the President under the Constitution (Article 13.6). However the President may only grant a pardon on the advice of the Government (Article 13.9).
While a small number of historical pardons have been issued in the past, each case requires individual consideration. A pardon can only be issued to an individual, not to a group, and each specific case must be considered with respect to the individual circumstances of the conviction.
710. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Justice the number of staff employed in her Department by gender and by Civil Service salary scale, in tabular form. [9666/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe information requested by the Deputy is included in the table below, which sets out the number of staff in my Department by gender and pay grade.
Please note that there is a staff member whose gender is unrecorded by my Department.
Please also note that the table includes professional/technical posts as paid at the various grade bands provided.
|
Grade Band |
Female Total |
Male Total |
|
Secretary General |
1 |
0 |
|
Deputy Secretary |
1 |
0 |
|
Assistant Secretary |
2 |
3 |
|
Director |
2 |
1 |
|
Principal Officer |
31 |
33 |
|
Assistant Principal |
79 |
80 |
|
Administrative Officer |
14 |
27 |
|
Higher Executive Officer |
108 |
90 |
|
Executive Officer |
210 |
155 |
|
Clerical Officer |
333 |
226 |
|
Service Officer |
10 |
20 |
|
Total |
791 |
635 |
711. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Justice the current number of live studies, reviews and research undertaken or commissioned by her; and the date by which each study, review and research is scheduled to be completed, in tabular form. [9688/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn response to the Deputy’s question, I have provided a list of the live studies, reviews and research undertaken or commissioned by my Department, including the scheduled completion date of each, in tabular format below.
|
Study/Review/Research |
Scheduled Completion Date |
|
Methodological review: review different methods for sizing the illegal economy, with specific focus on illicit activity. |
Q2 2021 |
|
Public Attitudes Survey: to undertake survey to measure public views and experience in a range of relevant DoJ areas. |
Q3 2021 |
|
Anti-Social Behaviour: to map out how ASB has been defined (recognising it is a contested concept) and map out interventions and their effectiveness. |
Q2 2021 |
|
Evaluation of the Local Community Safety Partnership Pilots over 3 sites. |
Q4 2022 |
|
Review of protections for vulnerable witnesses in the investigation and prosecution of sexual offences (O’Malley Report)* |
Published October 2020 |
|
Public Consultation on updating the Discount Rate |
Policy proposals to Minister by end Q1 2021 |
|
Review of Defamation Act 2009 |
End of Q1 2021 |
|
Analysis of EU Asylum Legislation and the Proposals part of the new EU Migration and Asylum Pact to inform opt-in considerations and any implications as appropriate |
May 2021 |
|
Review of personal insolvency legislation |
Q2 2021 |
|
Study on Familicide and Domestic Homicide Reviews (established May 2019)* |
Report to be published by end April |
|
Independent review of Part 4 of the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Act 2017* |
Q3 2021 |
*Commissioned under previous Minister
712. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice if she had been appraised of the work undertaken by An Garda Síochána in respect of an operation (details supplied); the length of time the operation has been in place; the arrests undertaken to date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9706/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra734. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Justice the details of the An Garda Síochána Operation Cribbage; and the current status of this operation. [10106/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 712 and 734 together.
As the Deputy will be aware, the Garda Commissioner is, by law, responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána, including personnel matters and deployment of resources. As Minister, I have no direct role in these decisions. 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 ensure their optimum use.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that Operation Cribbage was established on the 27 May 2019 to target drug dealing, criminality and anti-social behaviour specifically in the Railway Street and Liberty Park area of Dublin 1, in support of the objectives of the Liberty Park Action Plan.
Local Garda management proactively initiated the operation to help address the fears of the community. A collaborative response involving An Garda Síochána together with the North East Inner City (NEIC) initiative, supported by local community groups and leaders, representatives and statutory agencies all engaged in consultation to identify and implement a range of collaborative actions and measures. The aim of these collaborative actions and measures is to improve the quality of life for residents in the Railway Street and Liberty Park area and its surrounding areas. These improvements aim to ensure that residents can live in a safe and secure environment and avail of social, economic and cultural opportunities, which are planned as part of the overall project supported by Statutory Agencies, DCC and Community and Voluntary groups.
Operation Cribbage involves the deployment of dedicated high visibility uniformed personnel to perform daily anti-crime beat patrols in Liberty Park, Dublin 1. These full time high visibility patrols are supported by intelligence led operations together with the assistance of Garda operated CCTV, all providing a vital and dynamic policing response. An Garda Síochána will continue to support the Liberty Park Action Plan, through Operation Cribbage, to ensure the continued safe and secure environment in the Railway Street and Liberty Park area. An Garda Síochána will also continue to work with stakeholders to ensure all actions and measures set out in the Plan are implemented.
I am further informed that there have been a substantial number of policing interventions in support of Operation Cribbage, including 140 arrests and a number of prosecutions before the Courts. Operation Cribbage is subject to ongoing review by local Garda management to maintain its focus of reducing community fear.
713. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice if she had been appraised of the work undertaken by An Garda Síochána in respect of an operation (details supplied); the length of time the operation has been in place; the arrests undertaken to date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9707/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, the Garda Commissioner is by law responsible for the management of An Garda Síochána, including personnel matters and deployment of resources. As Minister, I have no role in 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 ensure their optimum use.
The Commissioner established Operation Soteria in September 2019 to ensure a reduction of assaults in public, reduce fear of assault within communities, prioritise assault investigations, focus on problem areas and assault hotspots. Operation Soteria includes targeting knife crimes, in areas where it is shown to be relevant and necessary.
The operation is based upon the five Principles for Implementation: Commitment to Protecting People and Communities; Awareness and Education as a crime prevention technique; Policing Operational Efficiency; Location Management by working in partnership; and Offender Management.
Gardaí in the DMR North Central division engaged with schools, youth programmes and colleges as part of this Operation, however, due to the Covid-19 emergency since March 2020, such engagements have been hampered. Garda management in the DMR North Central have also engaged with the owners of licensed premises regarding the initiative, particularly during the divisional licensed premises inspections.
I am conscious that the usual levels of community engagement and youth services are not possible during Covid-19 restrictions. However, my Department and An Garda Síochána will continue their outreach programmes, engagement and interventions but will formulate new ways of targeting young people when they cannot participate in their normal activities and programmes.
The Deputy may also wish to note that in September and November 2020, Community Gardaí gave presentations to 250 Medical Students in Croke Park and to Transition Year Students at St Paul's CBS North Brunswick Street, Dublin 7 and Stanhope Street Girls School. The presentations highlighted the dangers of assault and knife crime and the consequences for engaging in this behaviour as part of the “use your brain, not your fists” campaign.
There have been 241 recorded arrests associated with Operation Soteria from the period 3 December 2019 to 17 February 2021 within the DMR North Central Division.
714. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice if she had been appraised of the work undertaken by An Garda Síochána in respect of an operation (details supplied); the length of time the operation has been in place; the arrests undertaken to date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9708/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, the Garda Commissioner is by law responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána, including personnel matters and deployment of resources. As Minister, I have no direct role in these decisions. 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 ensure their optimum use.
In 2020, the Commissioner directed targeted activity to combat drug use nationwide, focusing particularly on street level drug dealing and local drug dealers, under the auspices of Operation Tara.
Operation Tara is a National priority for An Garda Síochána with a particular focus to disrupt and dismantle drug trafficking networks impacting on our communities and to prosecute those involved, at every level.
Under Operation Tara the following activities have been undertaken and remain active:
- Dedicated Drug Units in each Garda Division.
- Involvement of Regular Units and Community Policing Units in combatting drug related issues in local communities.
- Co-ordination of the Operation under Special Crime Operations.
- Provision of national oversight of Divisional Drug Units by Garda National Drugs & Organised Crime Bureau.
- Provision of a structured response to Drugs Related Intimidation.
- Provision of awareness and education to local communities.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that the DMR North Central resource commitment to Operation Tara involves 2 Sergeants and 16 Gardaí dedicated to policing drug related activity. Local Garda management liaise with specialist sections within An Garda Síochána, such as Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau, Armed Support Unit etc.
Gardaí are involved in promoting awareness and educating the local community on drug related issues. On 16 February 2021, a Sergeant attached to the Divisional Drug Unit provided a presentation to the North Inner City Drugs and Alcohol Task Force in relation to drugs awareness.
The Garda authorities advise that there have been 135 arrests associated with Operation Tara in the DMR North Central Division, together with the seizure of €689,375 worth of illegal narcotics in 2019 and €1,084,424 in 2020.
715. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice if she had been appraised of the work undertaken by An Garda Síochána in respect of an operation (details supplied); the length of time the operation has been in place; the arrests undertaken to date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9709/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy will be aware that the Garda Commissioner is, by law, responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána, including personnel matters and deployment of resources. As Minister, I have no direct role in these decisions. 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 ensure their optimum use.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that Operation Fógra is a regional operation established in the Dublin Metropolitan Region by Assistant Commissioner, DMR, on 27 November 2020, to enhance the understanding of and support An Garda Síochána’s response to incidents of Drug Related Intimidation (DRI) in the DMR.
The operation has two pillars - a harm reduction, victim centred approach and information enabled policing, informing operational responses.
I am informed that the objectives of Operation Fógra are to increase frontline awareness of DRI, enhance collaboration with community supports, improve effectiveness of the DRI Reporting Programme and provide a greater analytical understanding of DRI, driving appropriate and proactive interventions.
I am further informed by the Garda authorities that the operational outcomes from the implementation of Operation Fógra are:
- Increased community confidence in the policing response;
- Reduction in community harm/fear from DRI;
- Meeting whole of policing objectives with the community;
- More evidence based approach to operational interventions;
- Enhanced victim centred approach;
- Keeping people safe.
I am informed that there are a number of investigations and lines of enquiry ongoing in the DMR in relation to DRI related criminal activity, and while the operation has only begun very recently, a number of arrests are planned.
716. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice if she had been appraised of the work undertaken by An Garda Síochána in respect of an operation (details supplied); the length of time the operation has been in place; the arrests undertaken to date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9710/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, the Garda Commissioner is, by law, responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána, including personnel matters and deployment of resources. As Minister, I have no direct role in these decisions. 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 ensure their optimum use.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that Operation Hybrid has been in operation since 5 February 2016, as a result of an escalation in firearms incidents between organised crime gangs in the Dublin Metropolitan Region. The strategic objective is to have a three pronged preventative, investigative and targeted approach.
The preventative element incorporates high visibility Divisional checkpoints across the region with uniform support from local units and Regional Traffic. Armed support on checkpoints and patrols is provided by the Special Detective Unit, Emergency Response Unit, Armed Regional Support Unit, Local Detective and plain clothes units.
The investigative element involves cohesive investigation teams assigned to the murders and serious crime incidents under the direction of nominated Senior Investigating Officers supported by the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation with technical and forensic investigative supports. Interpol are facilitating international enquiries.
The identification, profiling and targeting of organised crime groups within the Dublin Metropolitan Region is being focused and intelligence led under the direction of the Assistant Commissioner, Security and Intelligence, and the Detective Chief Superintendent, Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau, supported by Regional Detective Units nationally and internationally.
To date, the organisation has been fully resourced to conduct this multi-faceted approach to target organised crime groups within the Dublin Metropolitan Region and significant results have been achieved by the Garda organisation’s ability to investigate this activity in a co-ordinated policing approach.
I am further informed by the Garda authorities that as at 19 February 2021, in respect of the DMR North Central Division, there have been over 450 arrests associated with Operation Hybrid, together with over 4,672 Checkpoints performed, 1,359 patrols and 74 searches.
717. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Justice if there is a barrier at present to Irish prisoners who are incarcerated abroad being repatriated to the Irish prison system; if legislation will be required to enable this process to resume; if so, when this legislation will be published; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9734/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy may be aware, on foot of a number of relevant Supreme Court judgements, it is necessary to amend legislation which facilitates the transfer of prisoners from abroad to serve their sentences here in the State.
The Government approved the General Scheme of the Transfer of Sentenced Persons (Amendment) Bill in 2019 in order to amend the Transfer of Sentenced Persons Acts 1995 and 1997. The relevant 2016 Supreme Court judgments raises the issue of how best to adapt and administer under Irish law a foreign sentence that contains features not found in Irish sentences. This (Amendment) Bill is designed to address this issue.
Officials in my Department are currently working with the Office of the Attorney General with a view to progressing this matter so that a finalised Bill can be brought to Government and presented to the Oireachtas as soon as possible.
Legislation to transpose Framework Decision 2008/909/JHA is also being progressed and is on the Government Legislative Programme Priority List for publication this session.
718. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Justice the number of gardaí by rank attached to the Tipperary protective service unit. [9781/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, the Garda Commissioner has responsibility, by law, for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána and for the allocation and efficient use of Garda resources. This includes responsibility for the distribution of personnel across the various Garda Divisions.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that Divisional Protective Services Units have been rolled out nationwide. Rollout of these Units meets a key commitment in A Policing Service for our Future, the four-year implementation plan giving effect to the recommendations of the Commission on the Future of Policing in Ireland.
I have been further informed that as of 18 February 2021, there were 10 Garda members assigned to the Divisional Protective Services Unit in Tipperary. This includes 1 Detective Sergeant, 6 Detective Gardaí and 3 Gardaí trained as child specialist interviewers.
I am further advised that 2 new additional Detective Gardaí will be appointed to the Unit in March 2021.
719. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Justice the number of persons that were convicted under section 15(a) of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 in 2020; the number to receive a suspended sentence and a term of imprisonment up to one year; the term of imprisonment between one and two, two and five, five and seven and seven and ten years; the sentences imposed on those who received prison terms of ten years and more; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9800/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, the Misuse of Drugs Act 1977 (as amended) is the responsibility of my colleague the Minister for Health.
In regards to the information requested of the number of persons convicted under Section 15A of the Act (as inserted by the Criminal Justice Act 1999), "Offence relating to possession of drugs with value of €13,000", I have been advised by the Courts Service that the figures for 2020 are currently unavailable. The Courts Service is presently compiling their Annual Report for 2020 and the figures will be available later this year on publication of same.
720. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Justice the number of persons convicted of a sexual offence and jailed in 2020; and the number who received prison terms less than one year, between one and two years, between two and three years, between three and five years, between five and seven years, between five and seven years and over ten years and the offence committed, respectively. [9801/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra721. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Justice the number of persons who are currently imprisoned due to being convicted of a sexual offence; the number who are due for release in 2021, 2022 and 2023; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9802/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 720 and 721 together.
The information requested by the Deputy in relation to the number of prisoners committed for a sexual offence in 2020 broken down by sentence length has been received from the Irish Prison Service and is provided in the table below.
|
Less than 1 year |
1 to < 2 Years |
2 to <3 Years |
3 to <5 Years |
5 to <7 Years |
7 to <10 Years |
10+ Years |
|
14 |
25 |
17 |
22 |
17 |
13 |
10 |
I am advised that as of 31st January 2021, there were 418 prisoners sentenced for a sexual offence in custody. Of those 418 prisoners, 106 are due to be released in 2021, 76 are due to be released in 2022 and 72 are due to be released in 2023.
722. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice if funding has been provided for the purchase of drones for use by An Garda Síochána; the number of drones currently in use by An Garda Síochána; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9812/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy will appreciate that the Garda Commissioner is responsible, by law, for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána, and I, as Minister, have no direct role in such matters.
I have requested information from the Garda Commissioner in relation to this question and will write to the Deputy directly with the information sought, when it is available.
