Pa Daly
Ceist:124. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Justice the number of applicants for international protection that were dealt with under the single application procedure in 2020 and to date in 2021. [60694/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraInternational Protection
Ceisteanna (124)
Freagraí scríofa
My Department's overall objective is to have decisions made on applications from people seeking international protection as quickly as possible. This ensures that those who are found to be in need of protection in Ireland can receive it quickly and begin rebuilding their lives here with a sense of safety and security.
However, efforts to improve processing times have been seriously impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic, which has reduced the output of decisions considerably and below those projected in advance of the pandemic.
Despite the complex challenges presented by the pandemic, the IPO processed 2,276 applications for international protection to completion in 2020. To put this in context, this was just under 67% of the total in achieved in 2019 (3,408 applications). The IPO has processed a total of 1,892 first instance recommendations and decisions this year, to end October 2021.
My Department is fully committed to implementing the key recommendations in the Expert Advisory Group Report to reduce processing times of both first instance decisions and appeals to 6 months respectively, as outlined in the White Paper to End Direct Provision and Establish a New International Protection Support Service.
An end-to-end review of relevant international protection processes by a multi-disciplinary team from my Department, has now been completed and published. A series of measures are being put in place to address the recommendations of the review and improve efficiencies and throughput.
Furthermore, as I announced last week, the Government's regularisation scheme for undocumented migrants will include a parallel process to implement the recommendation included in the Report of the Expert Advisory Group, by allowing international protection applicants who have an outstanding application for international protection and have been in the asylum process for a minimum of two years to apply.
Immigration Policy
Ceisteanna (125)
Pa Daly
Ceist:125. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Justice when she anticipates being able to open the proposed scheme for the regularisation of undocumented persons living in Ireland. [60696/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Last week, the Government approved my proposal for a once-in-a-generation scheme to regularise thousands of undocumented migrants and their families who are living in Ireland.
The scheme will enable eligible applicants to remain and reside in the State and to regularise their residency status. It will bring some much-needed certainty and peace of mind to thousands of people who are already living here and making a valuable contribution to our society and the economy, many of whom may be very vulnerable due to their current immigration circumstances.
People who are eligible under the scheme will:
- Have a period of 4 years residence in the State without an immigration permission, or 3 years in the case of those with children on the date the Scheme opens for applications;
- Be granted an immigration permission that allows for unrestricted access to the labour market; and
- Have years of residence with that permission reckonable for the purposes of pursuing citizenship by way of naturalisation.
Those with an existing Deportation Order can apply, if they meet the minimum undocumented residence requirement. People with expired student permissions will also be able to apply.
Applicants must meet standards regarding good character and criminal record/behaviour and not pose a threat to the State. Having convictions for minor offences will not, of itself, result in disqualification.
The scheme will include a parallel process to implement the recommendation included in the report of the Expert Advisory Group, led by Dr. Catherine Day, by allowing international protection applicants who have an outstanding application for international protection and have been in the asylum process for a minimum of two years to apply.
The scheme was developed following a consultation process with key stakeholders including NGOs that work directly with people and families who are in vulnerable immigration-related circumstances, as well as inter-Departmental and operational stakeholders.
The time-limited scheme will open for online applications in January 2022 and applications will be accepted for six months. Further details regarding the qualifying criteria and the opening date for the scheme will be published on my Department's Irish Immigration website (www.irishimmigration.ie) in due course.
Residency Permits
Ceisteanna (126)
Pearse Doherty
Ceist:126. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Justice if an appointment for a GNIB card can be made for a person (details supplied) who will be arriving in Ireland in January 2022; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [60717/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I note that the person referred to by the Deputy will not arrive in the country until January. I can confirm that appointments have not yet been released for January and the person will, on arrival in the State, have a 90 day period within which to register their permission.
Where a preclearance permission is required to facilitate their entry to the State, a person should ensure that they have made the appropriate application and been granted a permission and present the permission to the immigration officer on arrival at their port of entry to the State.
For Dublin based customers seeking to register for the first time, the public office in Burgh Quay is now open from 08:00 to 20:30 to provide assistance to customers. Customers should continue to apply directly for appointments as they become available without charge, through the online appointments system: burghquayregistrationoffice.inis.gov.ie.
Currently, public health guidance determines the number of appointments that safely be facilitated each day in the public office. Almost 1,000 customers are being registered every week. My staff continue to engage with stakeholders to understand how their needs can best be met.
Registrations for those resident elsewhere in the State are processed at Garda Stations nationwide.
Citizenship Applications
Ceisteanna (127)
Jennifer Carroll MacNeill
Ceist:127. 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. [60766/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The citizenship application from the person referred to by the Deputy was received on 7 February 2020. This application is being processed under the temporary statutory declaration process that I announced in January. The citizenship certificate fee was paid online on 30 November 2021, and the signed statutory declaration was received by my Department by post on 3 December 2021.
As advised to all applicants when submitting their documents, it will take up to six weeks from receipt of the fee and statutory declaration to issue a certificate of naturalisation. This is due to current limits on staff attendance in the office due to Covid -19 restrictions.
Road Traffic Offences
Ceisteanna (128)
Thomas Gould
Ceist:128. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Justice the status of the scrambler initiative announced in April 2021; and the location in which a person seeking to supply a track to the initiative can apply. [60776/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I can confirm to the Deputy that funding of almost €200,000 is being provided to eight community-based projects to work with young people involved in the anti-social use of scramblers and quad bikes and related crime.
This is a very serious issue for the Government and is reflected in the Programme for Government commitment to enhance powers available to An Garda Síochána to limit the use of scramblers and quads by those engaged in anti-social behaviour and enact legislation to add to those powers if needed.The misuse of scramblers, quad-bikes and similar off-road vehicles is a cause of concern in a number of communities across the country, principally in Dublin but also other urban centres. Issues arise for communities where vehicles are used on public, open spaces such as in housing estates, playing pitches or in public parks. I can inform the Deputy that I chair the Anti-Social Behaviour Forum within my Department. One of the tasks of the Forum was to deliver proposals to Government for a community based approach to tackling this problem. While the role of An Garda Síochána is fundamental to addressing the misuse of scramblers and other vehicles, it was also highlighted to the Forum that engagement with communities and raising awareness are just as important.
Raising awareness encompasses educating younger people of dangers to themselves and to others in using such vehicles and highlighting the dangers to parents who are considering buying such vehicles for their children. The Forum explored the opportunities of intervention and diversion from this type of activity. Earlier this year, the Department of Justice invited applications for funding from Youth Diversion Projects who would act as the focus point for local consortiums for the development of proposals for community-based interventions to work with young people involved in the anti-social use of these vehicles and related crime and anti-social behaviour.These funding provisions have so far enabled eight Youth Diversion Projects to obtain funding to work with young people involved in the misuse of these vehicles. The projects will be required to consult with other local interests, including An Garda Síochána, and to create a local consortium which will include the local authority.
Based on experience with existing initiatives, it is envisaged that the local authority partner is best placed to assist with the provision of tracks and related facilities. Each proposal submitted via the YDPs is assessed in accordance with the guidelines issued by my Department. The programme will also encourage young people to engage positively to learn motorcycle skills, including maintenance, combined with relevant educational and personal development activities.
Separately, the Minister of Transport is examining provisions to strengthen the law in relation to the dangerous and antisocial off-road use of scramblers, quads and other similar vehicles. It is hoped that this combined approach of increased Garda powers to tackle the misuse of scramblers, together with the creation of alternative options for those who wish to use such vehicles safely and legally, will have a significant impact in tackling the problem.
The Department of Justice would welcome additional applications from other Youth Diversion Projects and is working with a number to support them in developing additional local scrambler initiatives.
An Garda Síochána
Ceisteanna (129)
Brendan Smith
Ceist:129. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Justice if there has been further progress since this Deputy brought information before Dáil Éireann on 10 September 2020, in achieving a full and comprehensive investigation here and in Northern Ireland into the bombing in Belturbet, County Cavan in December 1972 which caused the death of two young persons and injuries to many others; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [60829/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I thank the Deputy for raising this matter and I know that he has campaigned over many years on behalf of the families of the victims of the Belturbet bombing. Like him and many others, I would also hold the view that the perpetrators of this appalling atrocity should be brought to justice and I wish to extend my most sincere sympathy to those who were bereaved and injured in that terrible attack.
I am assured that this bombing was comprehensively investigated at the time by An Garda Síochána. The investigation pursued various lines of inquiry; however it was not possible to gather sufficient evidence to sustain a prosecution.
An Garda Síochána has confirmed to me that the investigation remains open and their work has continued in the intervening period. An Garda Síochána also liaise with the families in relation to any developments.
I would emphasise that any new information will be assessed by the Garda authorities. In this regard, the content of the new material from recent academic and media sources has been brought to the attention of the Garda Commissioner for consideration and any appropriate action. An Garda Síochána remain committed to working closely with the PSNI as necessary, where that could advance the investigation.
The Government has also raised the case with the British Government in our discussions on legacy issues.
I can assure the Deputy that the appalling events of that day are very much in our thoughts and I will continue to engage with the Garda Commissioner in relation to progress in this investigation.
I would ask that anyone with information in relation to these appalling acts to please contact An Garda Síochána. It is never too late to do the right thing by these families who have suffered so much.
An Garda Síochána
Ceisteanna (130, 131)
Bernard Durkan
Ceist:130. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice if she and her Department are kept informed of operational concerns within An Garda Síochána; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [60867/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraBernard Durkan
Ceist:131. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice when and the frequency with which she meets with the Garda Commissioner to discuss matters of national interest such as current or future matters of interest or concern; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [60868/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 130 and 131 together.
I can inform the Deputy that both I and my senior officials are in regular and frequent communication with the Garda Commissioner and his senior management team in respect of all matters within the competency of the Commissioner under the Garda Síochána Act 2005.
The Garda Commissioner is required by law to keep me, as Minister for Justice, and the Secretary General of my Department fully informed of matters relating to significant developments in policing and security.
Most recently, and for the Deputy’s information, I met with Garda Commissioner on 16 November last following my return from maternity leave and again on 7 December.
Question No. 131 answered with Question No. 130.
An Garda Síochána
Ceisteanna (132)
Bernard Durkan
Ceist:132. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice if funding of her Department is sufficient for the years 2021 to 2022 to meet all operational activities with particular reference to the deployment of gardaí to areas experiencing high levels of criminal activity; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [60870/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Deputy will be aware the Garda Commissioner has responsibility for the general administration of An Garda Síochána under the Garda Síochána Act 2005. This responsibility includes the allocation of funding in support of all activities, operations and deployment of personnel.
The Deputy may be aware that the budget provided by Government to the Garda Commissioner continues to increase to unprecedented levels. Budget 2022 provides over €2 billion in funding to An Garda Síochána. Since 2016 the budget for An Garda Síochána has increased by approximately €500m, or 33%. This has enabled 1,400 extra Gardaí to be deployed, as well as continued investment in modern equipment. In addition, we have freed up 800 Gardaí for front line policing work through the recruitment of Garda staff.
As the Deputy may be aware, Covid-19 restrictions on the Garda Training College in Templemore constrained recruitment and training for periods over the last 18 months. However, I am glad to confirm that 385 Gardaí will be recruited this year and the funding provided for next year fully supports the sustained recruitment of Garda members and staff.
In particular, the funding provided includes provision for the recruitment of 800 new Garda recruits and 400 Garda staff in 2022 - an additional 1,200 personnel. The number of new recruits and new Garda staff envisaged means that we are on track to meet the Government’s target of 15,000 sworn members of An Garda Síochána and 4,000 Garda staff as we approach the centenary of the establishment of An Garda Síochána.
This increase in the number of Garda members and staff will deliver significant growth in operational policing hours nationwide and improved services to the public generally. Redeployment of Gardaí from administrative and support roles will also continue next year, thus allowing highly trained Gardaí to focus on frontline policing duties. The organisation's capacity will be further strengthened by the recruitment of additional Garda staff, including specialist roles to support the investigation of crime and enhance the management of the organisation .
Budget 2022 provides an additional €10.5 million for Garda operational expenditure – including provision for new mobile devices, equipment for a range of Garda specialist units and on-going training in relation to priority areas such as tackling sexual, domestic and gender-based violence. It also includes a specific once–off allocation of €1.5 million to mark the centenary of An Garda Síochána in 2022.
Budget 2022 also includes provision for a capital budget of €147 million for An Garda Síochána’s ICT and Building Programme and ongoing investment in the organisation’s transport fleet. An Garda Síochána, recognising the need to be visible and accessible in communities but also conscious of taking proactive actions to reduce their carbon footprint, will purchase an additional 100 mountain bikes and increased numbers of electric vehicles as part of an overall fleet management strategy.
Vaccination Programme
Ceisteanna (133)
Alan Kelly
Ceist:133. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Health if he will report on the work of the vaccine roll-out group; and when it last met. [60115/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
A Booster Programme Oversight Group, chaired by Professor Brian MacCraith, has been established to support the Department of Health and HSE in the rollout of the booster programme and the rollout of primary regimen to younger children (5-11) as appropriate. It meets weekly and the latest meeting was on 6th December.
As of December 7th, more than 941,000 booster doses have been administered since the rollout began. Ireland currently has the fourth-highest rate of booster administration in the European Union.
Alcohol Pricing
Ceisteanna (134)
Noel Grealish
Ceist:134. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Health if he plans to address an anomaly in the minimum unit price of alcohol in which smaller spirit sizes can be sold at much lower price than the recommended selling price (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60602/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The minimum unit pricing provision of the Public Health (Alcohol) Act 2018 is a public health measure aimed at reducing harmful alcohol consumption. This provision will come into effect on 4 January 2022.
Minimum unit pricing sets a floor price below which alcohol products cannot be sold and is aimed at ensuring that high alcohol content products cannot be sold at cheap prices. The floor price is dependent on the volume and the strength of the alcohol contained in the product.
Minimum unit pricing is not a mechanism for setting recommended retail prices.
Legislative Process
Ceisteanna (135)
Eoin Ó Broin
Ceist:135. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Health when the Free Provision of Period Products Bill 2021 will progress to committee stage. [60605/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
This Government is committed to the introduction of measures to address period poverty. Government supported the Free Provision of Period Products Bill 2021 (Bill 4), proposed by Senator Lorraine Clifford-Lee and sponsored by Senators Catherine Ardagh and Mary Fitzpatrick, which seeks to make period products freely available to all those who need them. A debate on the matter was held in Seanad Éireann on 8th February, 2021; the Bill has now passed to Committee stage
Government has further agreed that the recommendations of the Period Poverty in Ireland Discussion Paper be taken into account in terms of further development of the Bill and that cross-Government, inter-Departmental, interagency and societal support for the Bill and related implementation measures should be sought, including from voluntary and private sector organisations that provide services funded by the State, as well as from public service providers.
The recommendations of the Report include, but are not limited to, consideration of the provision of free period products in public buildings, through publicly funded services and in the context of education.
The Department of Health has established a Period Poverty Implementation Group, with representation from most Government Departments, to achieve cross sectoral input in relation to implementation measures recommended in the Discussion Paper. It is envisaged that the work of the Group will address the indignity experienced by those who may need period products every month but cannot afford them.
The work in relation to progressing of the Bill to the next stage is ongoing within this context.
Budget 2022
Ceisteanna (136)
Eoin Ó Broin
Ceist:136. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Health the mechanisms and timelines that have been agreed for the budgetary allocation announced in Budget 2022 for the provision of period products; if public sector organisations that are ready to roll-out the provision of free period products will be able to draw down this funding. [60606/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
This Government is committed to the introduction of measures to address period poverty, evidenced by the commitment made in the Programme for Government and by the actions taken more recently to progress the issue.
The Period Poverty in Ireland Discussion Paper was published in February, 2021 and can be accessed at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/publication/264f4-period-poverty-in-ireland-discussion-paper-period-poverty-sub-committee-national-strategy-for-women-and-girls-20172020-february-2021/
Government has supported a Private Members Bill on Period Poverty; the Free Provision of Period Products Bill 2021 (Bill 4), proposed by Senator Lorraine Clifford-Lee and sponsored by Senators Catherine Ardagh and Mary Fitzpatrick, which seeks to make period products freely available to all those who need them. A debate on the matter was held in Seanad Éireann on 8th February, 2021; the Bill has now passed to Committee stage.
Government has further agreed that the recommendations of the Period Poverty in Ireland Discussion Paper be taken into account in terms of further development of the Bill and that cross-Government, inter-Departmental, interagency and societal support for the Bill and related implementation measures should be sought, including from voluntary and private sector organisations that provide services funded by the State, as well as from public service providers.
The recommendations of the Report include, but are not limited to, consideration of the provision of free period products in public buildings, through publicly funded services and in the context of education.
The Department of Health has established a Period Poverty Implementation Group, with representation from most Government Departments, to achieve cross sectoral input and to co-ordinate oversight of both the Bill and implementation measures recommended in the Discussion Paper. It is envisaged that the work of the Group will address the indignity experienced by those who may need period products every month but cannot afford them.
The Period Poverty IG has now met on two occasions, on the 8thJuly, 2021 and 17th November, 2021, with further bilateral meetings held between officials of this Department and other areas of Government.
The Department of Health has been allocated approximately €714,000 in 2022; the details of allocation will be finalised in Q1, 2022 as funds become available, but it is envisaged that these funds will be used to support pilot projects for Travellers and Roma, managed through the HSE, to support local authorities and, through relevant services, to reach out to those most in need.
Hospital Appointments Status
Ceisteanna (137)
Pearse Doherty
Ceist:137. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) will receive an appointment for a procedure in Letterkenny University Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60615/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Under the Health Act 2004, the Health Service Executive (HSE) is required to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. Section 6 of the HSE Governance Act 2013 bars the Minister for Health from directing the HSE to provide a treatment or a personal service to any individual or to confer eligibility on any individual.
In relation to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Hospital Waiting Lists
Ceisteanna (138)
Pearse Doherty
Ceist:138. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health the number of persons on the waiting list for colonoscopy procedures in Letterkenny University Hospital, for routine and urgent referrals in 2019, 2020 and to date in 2021, tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60616/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
It is recognised that waiting times for scheduled appointments and procedures have been impacted in the last twenty months as a direct result of the COVID-19 pandemic. While significant progress was made in reducing waiting times from June 2020 onwards, the surge in Covid-19 cases in the first quarter of 2021 and the associated curtailment of acute hospital services, coupled with the ransomware attack of May 2021, has impacted waiting times.
The current surge in Covid-19 cases has put increasing pressures on hospitals and ICUs. As part of the response to this the HSE advised all Hospital Groups on 18th November, to take a series of immediate actions which include a 14 day period of prioritising unscheduled care, COVID care and time sensitive work in particular in Model 4 hospitals. The situation is to be reviewed after that period.
On the 7th October I published the Acute Waiting List Action Plan. This plan, to run until December 2021, has a series of targeted measures that are designed to address the growth in waiting lists caused by Covid-19 and the cyber-attack. In addition, my Department, the HSE and the NTPF are also working on a Multi Annual Waiting List Plan to bring waiting lists in line with Sláintecare targets over the coming years. This process will be overseen by a Ministerial Taskforce, chaired by the Secretary General of my Department and includes representatives from the HSE and National Treatment Purchase Fund. The plan will be informed by the lessons learned from the successful Vaccine Taskforce.
For 2022 an additional allocation of €250 million, comprised of €200 million to the HSE and €50 million to the National Treatment Purchase Fund has been provided in respect of work to reduce hospital and community waiting lists. The €250 million will be used to fund additional activity in both the public and private sectors. The €50 million additional funding provided to the NTPF brings its total allocation for 2022 to €150 million, and as a consequence there will be a budget of €350 million available to support vital initiatives to improve access to acute hospitals and community health services.
In relation to the particular query raised, concerning the number of persons on the waiting list for colonoscopy procedures in Letterkenny University Hospital, for routine and urgent referrals in 2019, 2020 and to date in 2021, as this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.