Written Answers Nos. 911-930
911. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Justice the status of a naturalisation application by a family (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42390/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAn application for a certificate of naturalisation was received from the person referred to by the Deputy on 17 September 2019. This application is currently being processed with a view to establishing whether the applicant meets the statutory conditions for the granting of naturalisation and will be submitted to me for decision as expeditiously as possible.
The granting of Irish citizenship through naturalisation is a privilege and an honour which confers certain rights and entitlements not only within the State but also at European Union level and it is important that appropriate procedures are in place to preserve the integrity of the process.
It is recognised that all applicants for citizenship would wish to have a decision on their application without delay. However, the nature of the naturalisation process is such that, for a broad range of reasons, some cases will take longer than others to process. In some instances, completing the necessary checks can take a considerable period of time.
912. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Justice the qualifying income criteria for a visa application for an elderly dependent in cases in which family reunification is being applied for; her plans to examine these criteria; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42415/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department's Non EEA Policy Document on Family Reunification sets out the criteria for sponsors who wish to have their elderly dependents join them in the State.
The financial thresholds for earnings to support an elderly dependent relative must be high enough to meet the foreseeable expense. Therefore, a sponsor of an elderly dependent relative is required to have earned in Ireland in each of the three years preceding the application an income after tax and deductions of not less than €60,000 in the case of one parent and €75,000 where two parents are involved.
Where the elderly dependent relative has a guaranteed income into the future, this can be used to partially offset the financial limits (bearing in mind however that a person with a sufficient personal income for their needs cannot reasonably be regarded as being financially dependent).
For elderly persons of independent means, the financial threshold is generally considered to be a lump sum to purchase a property in the State plus an income in excess of €50,000 per person per annum. Each application is dealt with on a case by case basis.
Any elderly dependent granted a permission to join their family member in the State will be granted a Stamp 0 immigration permission. An inherent condition of their residence permission is that they are required to be self-sufficient. They are not permitted to avail of State benefits while resident here on a Stamp 0 basis even if they acquire an entitlement to such benefits. Holders of Stamp 0 are also not allowed to work, operate a business or engage in a profession in the State. They must also have private medical insurance to cover the duration of their stay. A Stamp 0 may also be granted to persons who can demonstrate sufficient funds to ensure they will not become a burden on the State.
While all immigration permissions are kept under review, currently, there are no plans to revise the existing thresholds for elderly dependents.
913. Deputy Jennifer Carroll MacNeill asked the Minister for Justice the status of a citizenship application by a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42427/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAn application for a certificate of naturalisation was received from the person referred to by the Deputy on 7 February 2020. This application is currently being processed with a view to establishing whether the applicant meets the statutory conditions for the granting of naturalisation and will be submitted to me for decision as expeditiously as possible.
The granting of Irish citizenship through naturalisation is a privilege and an honour which confers certain rights and entitlements not only within the State but also at European Union level and it is important that appropriate procedures are in place to preserve the integrity of the process.
It is recognised that all applicants for citizenship would wish to have a decision on their application without delay. However, the nature of the naturalisation process is such that, for a broad range of reasons, some cases will take longer than others to process. In some instances, completing the necessary checks can take a considerable period of time.
914. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Justice if she will update Dáil Éireann on matters in relation to the GSOC report on the death of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42492/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy will be aware that both GSOC and the Garda Commissioner are independent in the exercise of their duties and I, as Minister, have no role in this regard.
However, in order to assist the Deputy I have made enquires with GSOC seeking an update on the issues raised in the finalised report and subsequent correspondence sent to An Garda Síochána.
As the Deputy will be aware from the correspondence referred to, the issues raised in the report related to the safe keeping of exhibits and related evidence by An Garda Síochána. I am informed by GSOC that they received a detailed response from the Garda Commissioner's office in July 2018 which expressed regret in relation to these circumstances, and set out the significant changes which have taken place within An Garda Síochána since the original investigation, and which mitigate against such material being misplaced or lost, into the future.
In particular, I am advised that An Garda Síochána have progressed the implementation of a new Property and Exhibit Management System (PEMS) and an electronic Investigation Management System (IMS), which greatly enhance the capacity of An Garda Síochána to manage and store exhibits. The establishment of the Serious Crime Review Team (SCRT), under the auspices of the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation, as well as the creation of the role of Senior Investigating Officer (SIO) also contribute to the better management of investigations and the exhibits associated with them.
915. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Justice if central funding is available for the continuation of existing text alert schemes; the details of the funding process; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42509/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, my Department provides funding to Muintir na Tíre to cover costs incurred by communities in administering the Text Alert Scheme. The scheme is administered on a refund basis whereby communities submit their annual costs to Muintir na Tíre and a maximum refund of up to €350 is provided to the community.
For the last two years, my Department has committed to funding of up to €150,000 toward the costs of the scheme and, based on the number of applications received, it has had an average cost of €120,000 per annum. In January this year, and recognising the increased use of the alert scheme during the pandemic, Minister McEntee approved an increase in the individual cap paid to communities to €450 for the 2020 scheme only.
A further adjustment to the 2020 funding was made to address the fact that the scheme moved to costs incurred between January and December. Previously the scheme ran from September to September. To accommodate this adjustment, Minister of State Browne approved an increase to the total budget of the Text Alert Scheme for 2020 from €150,000 to a maximum of €200,000 to cover the additional period between September and end December 2019.
My officials have been engaging with Muintir na Tíre in relation to continuing this scheme including reviewing whether newer technologies, including apps, would be appropriate for use. In terms of funding for the 2021 Scheme, a final decision has yet to be made but I can assure the Deputy that I am fully committed to continuing to support this scheme.
916. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Justice if she will take appropriate action to deal with the prevalence of illegal fireworks being set off in the greater Dublin area in recent weeks; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42510/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra922. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice if she will request An Garda Síochána to commence Operation Tombola again in 2021 to tackle the increased use of fireworks and bonfires in Dublin; if she will provide additional funding for the operation to take place at this earlier point; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42604/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra929. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Justice the status of Operation Tombola 2021; the additional resources allocated to the operation; the commencement date of the operation; if a comparison will be made to same during operation tombola in 2020; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42646/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 916, 922 and 929 together.
Fireworks, because they are explosives, are regulated under national and EU legislation and can only be imported into the country under licence and stored and sold in accordance with explosives law. 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.
Part 6 of the Criminal Justice Act 2006 gives An Garda Síochána the power to make arrests in relation to the possession of unlicensed fireworks. 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 breaches of the legislation governing the importation and use of fireworks.
I am aware of the distressing impact the improper use of fireworks has on our communities and I share the concerns of the Deputies and of the local communities affected. I know the fear and distress fireworks being set off causes our elderly family members and neighbours and people with sensory challenges and other vulnerabilities. They also have a terrible impact on pets and other animals and livestock.
That is why every year as Halloween approaches, my Department runs a safety campaign aimed at ensuring the public is aware of the dangers of illegal fireworks and bonfires. Taking into account the issues arising and highlighted to me last year, my officials are currently collaborating with a number of relevant bodies such as An Garda Síochána, the Dublin Fire Brigade, the Irish Society for the Prevent of Cruelty to Animals, as well as the local authorities around the country in order to ensure that our messaging for this year is clear, impactful and ready to be launched and rolled out before the end of this month. As always, this messaging will continue to be pushed out across a number of mediums including social media on a regular basis until early November.
In addition to 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.
Operation Tombola also focuses on preventing associated public disorder and anti-social behaviour through the incremental deployment of resources, including Garda Public Order Units to augment local plans as appropriate. The Garda Commissioner has informed me that under Operation Tombola, Assistant Commissioner (DMR) has already issued an instruction to each Chief Superintendent in the DMR to put in place appropriate measures to prevent and detect the organised importation for sale of fireworks in the lead up to Halloween, 2021.
The Assistant Commissioner (DMR) has tasked each Chief Superintendent in the DMR to examine their policing requirements for the Halloween period and to effectively resource and implement their policing plans for this period.
I understand that each Chief Superintendent in the DMR is in the process of engaging with relevant stakeholders including the local authorities to identify, coordinate and implement an appropriate multi-agency strategy for the Halloween period, as part of their policing plans and that the Assistant Commissioner (DMR) has tasked Detective Superintendent, DMR Coordination and Tasking Unit, with ensuring open social media is monitored for any information in connection with anti-social behaviour and fireworks that may inform local Garda operations and initiatives.
In addition to the above measures, the Garda National Community Engagement Bureau have also developed a Halloween safety advice presentation that is aimed at parents/guardians, and which is available for Gardaí to use as part of the Community Policing Toolkit when engaging with community groups or watch schemes. This places emphasis on tips for safety around bonfires and fireworks, emphasising the illegality of the latter and explaining the distress that Halloween can cause to animals and the elderly.
A revised primary schools programme has also been developed focussing on these areas and emphasises that it is the job of the Gardaí to keep children safe. Where it is not possible to deliver these presentations in person, an alternative proposes to use a safety video produced in partnership with Dublin Fire Brigade and Temple Street Children’s Hospital, which informs children of the law in relation to fireworks and the dangers associated with them. It also provides fire safety advice and, with the help of the Garda Dogs Unit, it addresses the distress experienced by animals. Supporting posters and social media material are also available for download from the Community Policing Toolkit.
Finally, I believe that it is important to state that in addition to Part 6 of the Criminal Justice Act 2006 referenced above, there are a number of strong legislative provisions available to Gardaí to combat anti-social behaviour more generally which 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.
917. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Justice when the sex offenders (amendment) Bill will be published; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42529/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Sex Offenders (Amendment) Bill has completed drafting and I intend to bring it to my Government colleagues for approval to publish in the coming weeks.
As the Deputy will be aware, the purpose of the Bill is to enhance current systems for the assessment and management of convicted sex offenders and to put those systems on a statutory footing.
918. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice the progress to date in the determination of an application for leave to remain in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42578/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe immigration case of the person concerned was finalised on 29 October 2019. Leave to remain in the State was refused and a Deportation Order was made. That Order was served on the person concerned by registered post dated 10 January 2020, and was sent to their last notified address. This communication was copied to their legal representative on the same date.
This Deportation Order remains valid and in place. As such, the person concerned remains legally obliged to comply with any reporting requirements placed on them by the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB). The enforcement of a Deportation Order is an operational matter for GNIB.
It is open to any person who is the subject of a Deportation Order to make a request, under section 3(11) of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended), to have that Order revoked. Any such request would, however, need to be founded on some material change in the person’s circumstances which has arisen since the original decision to deport was made. Where such a request is made, the outcome of that request will be that the existing Deportation Order will either be 'affirmed' or 'revoked'.
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 (inisoireachtasmail@justice.ie), 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.
919. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice the progress to date to regularise their status in the case of persons (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42579/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has no record of having received an immigration application on behalf of the persons referred to by the Deputy.
If they are in the State without an immigration permission, they must engage with the authorities if they wish to be permitted to remain here legally. Therefore, I would encourage them to contact the Immigration Service of my Department or their local immigration office and to take all appropriate steps to regularise their status.
In order to allow for a full examination of the their circumstances, they should write directly to Unit 2, Residence Division, Immigration Service, 13-14 Burgh Quay, Dublin 2, DO2 XK70. They should outline if they have had a previous permission to reside in the State, their current circumstances and future intentions in the State and provide any documentation they feel will support their case.
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 at INISOireachtasMail@justice.ie, 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 Question process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in the cases where the response is, in the Deputy's view, inadequate or too long awaited.
920. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice the current position in relation to the determination of residency status in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42580/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can advise the Deputy that, in response to a notification pursuant to the provisions of Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended), the person concerned has not, to date, submitted written representations. Therefore, their position in the State will now be decided by reference to the provisions of Section 3 (6) of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended) and all other applicable legislation. If any representations are submitted, they will be considered before a final decision is made.
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 (inisoireachtasmail@justice.ie), 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.
921. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice the progress to date in the determination of visa applications in the case of persons (details supplied); when visas can expect to issue; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42584/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe persons referred to by the Deputy created an online Join Family (Non-EEA national) visa application on 29 March 2021. The supporting documentation and fee were received on 10 May 2021 in the Abuja Visa Office. The application is awaiting comprehensive examination and they will be notified as soon as a decision has been reached by a Visa Officer.
The processing of family reunification visa applications, such as these, may take up to six months to determine from date documentation is received in the relevant Visa Office. However, the Visa Office endeavours to have applications of this nature processed earlier than this, if possible. To be fair to all applicants, applications are processed in order by date received by the Visa Office.
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 (inisoireachtasmail@justice.ie), 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.
923. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Justice the number of gardaí stationed across the Tipperary division in each of the years since 2015 to date. [42607/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, the Garda Commissioner is by law responsible for the general management and administration of the Garda organisation under the Garda Síochána Act 2005. This includes the deployment of members of An Garda Síochána throughout the State. As Minister, I have no role in these independent functions.
I am assured, however, that Garda management keeps this distribution of resources under continual review in the context of policing priorities and crime trends, to ensure their optimum use. I am further advised that it is a matter for the Divisional Chief Superintendent to determine the optimum distribution of duties among the personnel available to him or her, having regard to the profile of each area within the Division and its specific needs.
An Garda Síochána has been allocated an unprecedented budget of €1.952 billion for 2021. This level of funding is enabling sustained, ongoing recruitment of Garda members and staff. As a result, Garda numbers are now approximately 14,500 Garda members and over 3,000 Garda staff nationwide.
For the Deputy's information, the tables appended to this answer contain the breakdown of Garda members attached to the Tipperary Division from 2015 to August 2021, the latest date for which figures are available.
Detailed information in relation to the Garda strength of each Garda Division by District, Station and Rank is available on my Department’s website. This information is updated every month with the latest data provided by An Garda Síochána. The information can be found at the following link:
www.justice.ie/en/JELR/Pages/An_Garda_Siochana_facts_and_figures
924. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Justice if there is an optimal ratio of Garda personnel per member of the public; if Garda figures are based upon population or geographic area; and the way the number of gardaí currently serving compares to the optimum number. [42608/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government is committed to ensuring a strong and visible police presence throughout the country in order to maintain and strengthen community engagement, provide reassurance to citizens and to deter crime.
As the Deputy will appreciate, the Garda Commissioner is by law responsible for the distribution of Garda personnel and resources. As Minister, I have no direct role in these matters. Garda management keeps this distribution of resources under review in the context of crime trends and policing priorities, to ensure their optimum use.
I am advised by the Garda authorities that when consideration is given to the allocation of resources and in facilitating transfers of personnel to/from any Division, account is given to commitments and undertakings outlined in the Annual Policing Plan. In the context of the requirements of all Garda Divisions nationwide, the following factors are also accounted for: local and national crime trends and workloads; policing arrangements and operational strategies; minimum establishment statistics; local population and trends, geographical area and size; transfer applications, including welfare / personnel issues and concerns.
To ensure the continued level of delivery of policing services within Garda Divisions, local and senior Garda management are also consulted during the allocation of personnel and are responsible for the specific deployment / assignment of duties being undertaken at Divisional level. The situation remains closely monitored by the Garda Senior Leadership Team, particularly in view of commitments to the continued roll-out of the Operating Model of policing at Divisional level to ensure optimum use of all Garda Resources in providing the best possible Garda service to the community.
925. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Justice the number of functioning Garda stations in County Tipperary in each year since 2015. [42609/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, under the Garda Síochána Act 2005, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management of the Garda Estate. Further, the programme of replacement and refurbishment of Garda accommodation is progressed by the Garda authorities working in close cooperation with the Office of Public Works (OPW), which has the responsibility for the provision and maintenance of Garda accommodation. As Minister, I have no direct role in these matters.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that there are thirty-seven Garda Stations in the Tipperary Division, a figure which has remained constant since 2015. The following table, comprising information provided to me by the Garda authorities, outlines the breakdown of Garda Stations in the Tipperary division.
|
- |
Tipperary Garda Stations (2015-2021) |
|
|
Ardfinnan |
Cloughjordan |
Nenagh |
|
Ballyingarry North |
Dolla |
Newport |
|
Ballyingarry South |
Emly |
Portroe |
|
Ballyporeen |
Fethard |
Roscrea |
|
Bansha |
Golden |
Shevry* |
|
Borrisokane |
Holycross |
Templederry* |
|
Borrisoleigh |
Kilenaule |
Templemore |
|
Cahir |
Kilsheelan |
Templetuohy |
|
Cappawhite |
Littleton |
Thurles |
|
Carrick-on-Suir |
Lorrha |
Tipperary |
|
Cashel |
Moneygall |
Toomevara |
|
Clogheen |
Moyne* |
|
|
Clonmel |
Mullinahone |
|
I am advised by the Garda authorities that it should be noted that while there are 37 stations attached to the Division, owing to the requirement for significant and large scale remedial works in Shevry, Moyne and Templederry, these three premises over the period 2015 to date have been deemed not suitable to function as Garda Stations.
926. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Justice her views on the practice of drug dealers enticing young people into using illegal drugs by initially providing them with free narcotics; and the actions that are being taken to tackle this. [42610/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra927. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Justice the measures being taken to tackle the forceful collection of drug debts accrued through the drug trade; her views on the way criminals are targeting parents to pay these debts; and if instances of this kind of criminality are on the increase. [42611/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 927 and 926 together.
As the Deputy will be aware, proactively tackling all forms of drug crime is a priority for the Government and for An Garda Síochána.
The Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau (GNDOCB) is having significant success in disrupting the supply of illicit drugs by organised crime groups. Its work is supported by Divisional Drugs Units nationwide and by all Gardaí working in local communities, while working closely with international law enforcement partners.
The National Drugs Strategy, "Reducing Harm, Supporting Recovery - a health led response to drug and alcohol use in Ireland 2017-2025 ", is unique among national drugs strategies across EU Member States in recognising the need to address drug-related debt intimidation at a community level.
The Programme for Government, Our Shared Future , includes a commitment to support the Drug-Related Intimidation Reporting Programme. The programme, which was developed by An Garda Síochána in partnership with the National Family Support Network (NFSN), responds to the needs of drug users and family members who may be subject to the threat of drug related intimidation, has been implemented on a national level since 2013.
An Garda Síochána regard drug-related intimidation as a hugely serious issue which impacts significantly on communities throughout Ireland. An Garda Síochána advise people to seek help and support from their local Gardaí, even where a person has felt compelled to pay money to those who engage in drug related intimidation.
In dealing with any complaint of drug related intimidation, or advice sought in relation to this issue, An Garda Síochána have the utmost regard to the safety and most effective means to afford the person or family subject to the threat the best level of security, advice and support. Confidentiality and security of the persons concerned are paramount for An Garda Síochána when dealing with reports under the programme.
An Garda Síochána deals with drug related intimidation in a confidential and secure manner. Insofar as possible, An Garda Síochána offers confidentiality and provides practical personal security and safety information and advice in relation to particular threats or instances of intimidation, along with information on appropriate drug support services for the individual in the family who is accruing drug debts, while also providing information regarding the process involved in making a formal complaint.
The Deputy will also be aware of the new Youth Justice Strategy 2021-2027. This strategy includes a commitment to develop the work of the Garda Youth Diversion Projects (GYDPs) to include targeted work with ‘harder-to-reach’ young people. This includes young people heavily involved in crime and anti-social behaviour, for whom there are little supports and interventions available in practice, unless they are before the courts, in which case they may be under the supervision of the Probation Service. The strategy also prioritises early intervention work, including with younger children who are assessed as being at serious risk. Both of these cohorts may include children at risk of recruitment by crime gangs.
The development of this work within the GYDP network will be supported by the Research Evidence into Policy, Programmes and Practice (REPPP) project at the School of Law in the University of Limerick (UL). The REPPP project has led on the production of the “Greentown Report”, which studied the influence of criminal networks on children in Ireland, and was published in December 2016. The REPPP project is a strategic research partnership between UL and the Department of Justice.
The Greentown Report identifies crime networks as a separate and plausible risk factor underlying criminal offending by certain children. It outlines how the influence of criminal networks increases the level of offending by a small number of children and entraps them in offending situations.
The Greentown Report recommended the design of a programme to include interventions with children and their families to help them withstand the influence of criminal networks. The REPPP project team implemented a bespoke process to produce a model for an Irish evidence-informed intervention programme. This new “Greentown Programme” has been designed with the input of leading international expertise on crime and criminal networks, together with Irish scientific, policy and practice expertise in child protection and welfare, drugs and community development. The programme is managed jointly between my Department, An Garda Síochána and the University of Limerick.
Pilot applications of the Greentown programme, developed by the REPPP project, commenced in two locations in 2020 and will run for three years. The learning from these pilots will then be incorporated into mainstream GYDP practice. This specially designed intervention programme was developed with international expert advice, to tackle coercive control of children by criminal groups which entraps them in offending situations. Funds are already available for the initial pilots from the Dormant Accounts Funds, with a total of €4.2m allocated over three years.
The implementation of the Greentown pilot programme is part of the strategic objectives of the Youth Justice Strategy 2021-2027. This implementation process began with the establishment of the Governance and Strategy Group, and the Youth Justice Oversight Group. Both groups are chaired by the Department of Justice, which will provide oversight arrangements for youth justice Initiatives, including the Greentown pilots, to ensure that there is a cohesive response in practice to the needs of particular cohorts of children and particular communities.
Question No. 927 answered with Question No. 926.
928. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Justice the situation regarding the calculation of pension entitlements for prison officers who joined the service since June 1995 and how their pension is integrated with the State social welfare pension; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42632/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised that the principal terms and conditions of employment with regard to revised salary scales and revised superannuation arrangements of Civil Servants hired between 6th April 1995 and 31st December 2012 are laid down in Department of Finance Circular 06/1995: Revised social insurance status and conditions of service of certain civil servants.
Civil Servants employed from January 2013 are members of what is known as the Single Scheme. This is a defined contribution scheme and its operation is governed by the Public Service Pensions (Single Scheme and Other Provisions) Act 2012.
I am further advised that all Civil and Public Servants hired on or after 6th April 1995 are in full PRSI class and, subject to certain conditions, are eligible to claim the State Pension (Contributory). In recognition of that fact the relevant pension scheme is integrated, which means that the pension benefits – as well as the member’s pension contribution rate – take into account the State Pension benefits that may payable to the individual.
The Deputy may wish to note that the terms and conditions applicable to the pension entitlements of civil servants of any civil/public service pension scheme are a matter in the first instance for the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform (DPER).
930. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Justice if the case of a person (details supplied) will be examined. [42688/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can confirm to the Deputy that residence in Ireland together as a married couple for three or more years that includes time prior to the citizen spouse having been granted Irish citizenship does count towards the three year minimum period.
All applications are assessed in accordance with the provisions of the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956, as amended. Further details on the application process, along with the relevant application form, is available at: www.irishimmigration.ie.
