Tuesday, 1 Mar 2022

Written Answers Nos. 573-592

Departmental Funding

Ceisteanna (573)

Dara Calleary

Ceist:

573. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Justice if her Department will resume funding for an organisation (details suppled); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10910/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice

In early 2021, my Department received a report of concerns regarding the financial management and governance of funding provided by my Department to the organisation in question.  The concerns were also reported to the Charities Regulator at the same time. 

My officials treated these concerns with the utmost seriousness and alerted An Garda Síochána who confirmed the complaints did not disclose any criminal offences.  At the same time, funding for 2021 was put on hold and unspent funding that the organisation had received in 2020 was returned to my Department.  

My Department’s Internal Audit Unit conducted an audit of the financial management procedures in place in the organisation.  The audit examined the effectiveness of the internal financial controls. No instances of fraud or irregularities were identified from the audit work carried out. 

The Internal Audit Unit has made 11 recommendations which must be implemented by the organisation and which, if addressed satisfactorily, will ensure a greater level of control over the operation of the organisation by its Board. This would also provide a greater level of assurance to the Department in relation to the consideration of any future grant funding to the charity.

The organisation in question have reported they are working to put the necessary procedures and policies into effect.

An Garda Síochána

Ceisteanna (574)

Peadar Tóibín

Ceist:

574. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Justice the number of persons that have been charged in each county or policing authority area in each crime sector in each of the past five years; and the number of prosecutions that have occurred in each county or policing authority area in each crime sector in each of the past five years. [10950/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice

As the Deputy will be aware, under the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the administration and management of An Garda Síochána. As Minister, I have no role in these independent functions.

I have requested the relevant information from An Garda Síochána, but as the request covers an expansive stretch of time of 5 years and with the complexities around the nature of the request, I have been advised that it would require a disproportionate amount of time and Garda resources to complete the work. Consequently I am unable to provide the information requested to the Deputy.

In relation to the number of prosecutions, I have made appropriate enquiries and the Courts Service have advised that the data requested by the Deputy is published in the Annual Reports of the Courts Service, which are available online at the following link: 

www.courts.ie/annual-report

I am further advised that information for the 2021 Annual Report has not yet been processed, and will be published later in the year.

An Garda Síochána

Ceisteanna (575)

Peadar Tóibín

Ceist:

575. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Justice the number of speeding checks that have been put in place in each county in each of the past five years; and the number of fines that were imposed in each county for the past five years. [10951/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice

As the Deputy will be aware, under the Garda Síochána Act 2005, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána, including Garda operations aimed at preventing and detecting crime. As Minister, I have no direct role in these matters.

Since 2010, An Garda Síochána has contributed to making our roads safer through the use of safety cameras, using a service provider ‘GoSafe’ to operate them on its behalf. The primary purpose of safety cameras is to reduce speed related collisions, lessen injuries and save lives. 

For the Deputy's information, attached is the number of GoSafe Monitoring Deployments by county for the period 2017 - 2021.

GoSafe Monitoring Deployments

The Deputy will also find attached a second table that provides a yearly breakdown per Garda division of the number of instances in which a party was issued with a Fixed Charge Notice for the offence of speeding. The Deputy should note that figures are based on incidents which occurred from 01/01/2016 to 24/02/2022 inclusive and is liable to change.

FCNs for Speeding Offences

An Garda Síochána

Ceisteanna (576)

Peadar Tóibín

Ceist:

576. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Justice the number of roadside drink driving checks that have been put in place in each county for each of the past five years; and the number of prosecutions that were imposed in each county in the past five years. [10952/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice

As the Deputy will be aware, under the Garda Síochána Act 2005, the Garda Commissioner is responsible by law for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána, including the enforcement of road traffic legislation. As Minister, I have no direct role in these matters.

The below table, furnished to me by the Garda authorities, provides a yearly breakdown per Garda division of the number of Mandatory Intoxication Testing Checkpoints carried out for each of the past five years.

Division	2017	2018	2019	2020	2021
Cavan/Monaghan	2541	2034	2600	1923	823
Clare	4810	3298	2307	2744	2876
Cork City	6747	5186	3625	2004	2806
Cork North	7788	5556	6660	5949	5105
Cork West	7135	5120	5130	2885	4435
D.M.R. Eastern	594	563	603	165	168
D.M.R. North Central	440	558	648	357	254
D.M.R. Northern	648	397	575	302	535
D.M.R. South Central	549	408	282	108	127
D.M.R. Southern	584	519	562	843	689
D.M.R. Western	1309	790	969	632	560
Donegal	2416	2111	3100	969	2706
Galway	5494	4222	4652	1448	1265
Kerry	3447	2733	2722	2014	2782
Kildare	2879	2324	2220	834	1122
Kilkenny/Carlow	1504	1352	1326	700	943
Laois/Offaly	2769	2136	2183	800	652
Limerick	4506	5354	4282	2790	3227
Louth	1817	1543	1669	762	187
Mayo	2692	1988	1669	1541	1387
Meath	1181	1491	1440	577	1231
Roscommon/Longford	1610	2279	1335	1090	1534
Sligo/Leitrim	1355	1782	2146	1758	1461
Tipperary	5632	4724	4474	1544	2737
Waterford	1687	1582	1853	1619	1614
Westmeath	1223	1455	1335	413	805
Wexford	1936	2102	1925	862	814
Wicklow	1297	1552	1678	631	464
Total	76590	65159	63970	38264	43309

The Courts Service has also advised that courts statistics are not compiled in such a way as to provide the information sought by the Deputy and that they are unable to provide any material on prosecutions following on from road side checks. 

The below table, furnished to me by the Garda authorities, provides the number of detections for drink-driving offences broken down yearly per Garda division for each of the past five years.

Division	2017	2018	2019	2020	2021
Cavan/Monaghan	362	308	298	236	221
Clare	162	133	106	99	75
Cork City	309	255	227	186	173
Cork North	277	257	220	178	148
Cork West	191	169	165	116	86
D.M.R. Eastern	116	110	97	95	79
D.M.R. North Central	141	122	131	107	95
D.M.R. Northern	285	278	258	256	216
D.M.R. South Central	126	126	86	98	79
D.M.R. Southern	193	182	172	187	129
D.M.R. Western	339	259	320	297	230
Donegal	348	290	338	201	208
Galway	419	342	336	280	228
Kerry	260	234	230	132	144
Kildare	317	356	269	175	204
Kilkenny/Carlow	217	186	190	131	101
Laois/Offaly	249	205	210	121	106
Limerick	284	238	225	149	150
Louth	158	185	155	128	135
Mayo	227	204	156	123	105
Meath	263	254	242	181	154
Roscommon/Longford	184	142	98	93	97
Sligo/Leitrim	157	112	110	78	87
Tipperary	339	288	247	189	176
Waterford	194	159	155	113	117
Westmeath	204	154	131	100	91
Wexford	233	223	183	93	117
Wicklow	138	126	137	105	68
Total	6692	5897	5492	4247	3819

These figures are based on incidents which occurred from 01/01/2017 to 31/12/2021, inclusive. I am advised by the Garda authorities that the above figures are based upon operational data from the Pulse system as was available on 25/02/2022 and is liable to change.

I am further advised that drink-driving detections refer to incidents which have a detection status of ‘Detected’ or ‘Resulted in Proceedings’. I am informed that drug-driving detections are not included in the above figures.

Work Permits

Ceisteanna (577)

Noel Grealish

Ceist:

577. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Justice if a Galway-based company that has secured a major contract for specialised work and requires materials and workers from the United Arab Emirates for three months work need a work permit for these short-term contracts; if it needs to apply for individual work permits for each worker; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10989/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice

Any non-EEA national who wishes to engage in work in the State must request permission to do so prior to undertaking their travel to the State. 

Under the Atypical Working Scheme (AWS), an immigration permission can be sought for a period of between 15 and 90 days on the basis of work to be undertaken in that time. The terms and conditions of the Scheme, including the application process and relevant required documentation, are available on my Department's website at: 

www.irishimmigration.ie/coming-to-work-in-ireland/what-are-my-work-visa-options/applying-for-a-long-stay-employment-visa/atypical-working-scheme/

  Applications for permission under the Scheme must be made from outside of the State and the applicant is not permitted to enter the State until such time as the application has been approved. 

Applicants are advised that they must allow a minimum of 20 working days for the processing of any application made for permission under the Scheme, from the time of receipt of all in-order documentation and information by my Department. 

In cases where an individual also requires a visa, an application for work permission must be made and approved prior to the visa application being made. Evidence of the approval of the application for work permission must be included with the supporting documentation in the visa application.

An Garda Síochána

Ceisteanna (578)

Niall Collins

Ceist:

578. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Justice if she will confirm that serving members of An Garda Síochána presently suspended from duty will also receive a 100 Year Anniversary Commemorative Medal; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11018/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice

I have requested the information sought by the Deputy from An Garda Síochána, but I have not received this information in time. I will write to the Deputy as soon as the information is to hand.

The following deferred reply was received under Standing Order 51

I refer to Parliamentary Question No. 578 of 1 March 2022 where you asked:

“To ask the Minister for Justice if she will confirm that serving members of An Garda Síochána presently suspended from duty will also receive a 100 Year Anniversary Commemorative Medal”

As you will recall, I had sought the information you requested from An Garda Síochána and undertook to contact you again once the information was to hand.

As you will be aware, the Garda Commissioner is responsible by law for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána, including commemorative matters. As Minister, I have no direct role.

I am advised by the Garda authorities that the final criteria in respect of who will receive a centenary commemorative medal has not yet been finalised. I am informed that the final tender for the medal should be awarded shortly. Once awarded, discussion will take place within An Garda Síochána on the criteria for receipt of the medal.

Immigration Status

Ceisteanna (579)

Niall Collins

Ceist:

579. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Justice the number of applications received by her Department for regularisation of undocumented status since the scheme opened to the present day; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11019/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice

The Regularisation of Long Term Undocumented Migrants Scheme opened for applications on 31 January 2022. Applications will be accepted for six months until 31 July 2022, when the scheme will close. The scheme is open to those who do not have a current permission to reside in the State and will enable eligible applicants to remain and reside in the State and to regularise their residency status. 

As of 28 February 2022, my Department has received 2,849 applications in respect of 3,570 people. This is a very positive start to the Scheme and I encourage anyone who may be eligible to apply. 

These figures relate to the main strand of the Scheme and not the international protection element, which is being processed separately by the International Protection Office of my Department.

Full details regarding the qualifying criteria, a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) document and the required documentation for the Scheme is available on my Department's website at: www.irishimmigration.ie/regularisation-of-long-term-undocumented-migrant-scheme/. 

Gender Equality

Ceisteanna (580)

Niamh Smyth

Ceist:

580. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Justice the progress made on the equality objectives of her Department specifically in relation to women. [11078/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice

My Department is strongly committed to equality of opportunity in all its employment practices. As an employer, the Department is guided by the Civil Service Diversity Policy and its obligations under equality legislation, particularly the Employment Equality Acts 1998-2015, which outlaw discrimination in a wide range of employment and employment-related areas, including recruitment and promotion; equal pay; working conditions; learning opportunities; dismissal and harassment including sexual harassment.

I am pleased to inform the Deputy that my Department's Gender Pay Gap Report will be launched next Tuesday, March 8, at a special staff event to mark International Women's Day 2022.

As the Deputy will be aware, Section 42 of the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission Act 2014 places a positive duty on public sector bodies to have regard for the need to eliminate discrimination, promote equality, and protect the human rights of employees, customers, service users and everyone affected by their policies and plans. This is known as our ‘Public Sector Equality and Human Rights Duty’. My Department established a dedicated Equality, Diversity, Inclusion and Public Sector Duty Committee to oversee our adherence to the public sector duty and to devise, oversee and promote equality, diversity and inclusion for my Department.

Through its day to day work, my Department continues to value and promote equality and human rights, whether in delivering key public services, developing policy and legislation in an inclusive human rights compliant manner, or in doing our work in an efficient, fair manner with integrity and respect for human dignity.

I am pleased to inform the Deputy that my Department’s first Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Strategy is due to be published this month and will be central to our mission of working for a safe, fair, inclusive Ireland, and to fulfilling our public sector duty obligations.

The development of the Strategy involved broad consultation with our internal stakeholders as well as engagement with external stakeholders with an expertise in human rights and equality issues.  The objectives of our EDI Strategy will focus on: achieving better policy outcomes and improving the accessibility and quality of our services; supporting the development of a skilled and diverse workforce and building and embedding a workplace culture which facilitates & encourages contributions from all.

My Department is leading the development across Government of the Third National Strategy on Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based Violence (DSGBV), with valued input from victims and survivors as well as those working in the frontline.  The new Strategy recognises that while both men and women can be victims/survivors, women and girls are affected disproportionately as a manifestation of historically unequal power relations between men and women. As a result, there is an emphasis within the Strategy on meeting the needs of women and girls.

The Strategy will be underpinned by clear actions, timelines, effective governance and accountability mechanisms. It will be resourced as it should be, and its goal is clear: zero tolerance in Irish society for domestic, sexual and gender based violence.

As the Deputy may be aware, I intend to publish a Bill before Easter which will create new criminal offences for stalking and for non-fatal strangulation. A new Hate Crime Bill which will introduce new, specific aggravated offences with enhanced penalties for crimes motivated by prejudice against certain characteristics, including gender, will be published in the summer.  This will mean that certain types of crimes can be prosecuted as hate crimes where they are motivated by misogyny.

I am continuing to drive forward the implementation of Supporting a Victim’s Journey, which is a detailed action plan for delivering all of the 52 recommendations made in the O’Malley report. This will make our criminal justice system one that better protects and supports vulnerable victims. To date, a number of key actions have been delivered, including:

- The introduction of Preliminary trial hearings;

- Work to advance specialist training for legal professionals and all who will come into contact with a victim is underway;

- The nationwide rollout of Divisional Protective Services Units and the establishment of a new sexual offences unit in the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions;

- A number of legislative reforms are also being advanced, and,

- Increased funding has been provided to frontline service providers to address the gaps in service provision identified on foot of a review undertaken.

I am pleased with the progress made to date in delivering on Supporting a Victim’s Journey, and will continue to prioritise this vital work.

Residency Permits

Ceisteanna (581)

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

581. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice the progress to date in the determination of an application for residency in the case of a person (details supplied); when a decision will issue; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11102/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice

In response to a notification pursuant to the provisions of Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended), written representations have been submitted to my Department on behalf of the person concerned. These representations, together with all other information and documentation on file, will be fully considered, under Section 3 (6) of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended) and all other applicable legislation, in advance of a final decision being made.

It is also noted that this person has an application to the Undocumented Migrant Regularisation Scheme. Processing times for this scheme may vary depending on the complexity of the applications and the overall number of applications received by Immigration Service Delivery for the scheme.

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 ([e-mail]), 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.  

Immigration Policy

Ceisteanna (582)

Dara Calleary

Ceist:

582. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Justice the status of new immigration laws (details supplied). [11103/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice

In replying to this question, it is assumed that the Deputy is referring to the Regularisation of Long Term Undocumented Migrants Scheme.

The Regularisation of Long Term Undocumented Migrants Scheme opened for applications on 31 January 2022. Applications will be accepted for six months until 31 July 2022, when the scheme will close. The scheme is only open to those who do not have a current permission to reside in the State and will enable eligible applicants to remain and reside in the State and to regularise their residency status.  

Full details regarding the qualifying criteria, a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) document and the required documentation for the Scheme is available on the Department's website at: www.irishimmigration.ie/regularisation-of-long-term-undocumented-migrant-scheme/.

The International Protection strand of the scheme opened for applications on 7 February 2022. Applications will be accepted for six months until 7 August 2022, when this strand of the scheme will close. Full details regarding the qualifying criteria, a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) document and the required documentation for the Scheme is also available on: www.ipo.gov.ie/en/ipo/pages/whatsnew

Immigration Policy

Ceisteanna (583)

Louise O'Reilly

Ceist:

583. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Justice if additional staff have been deployed to ensure there are no prolonged delays for workers undergoing the new enhanced background check given such delays cause difficulties for workers and business alike; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11213/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice

As the Deputy is aware, enhanced background check requirements are now in place for persons working in restricted areas in airports in line with updated European regulatory requirements.   

The measure is aimed at mitigating the potential threats to civil aviation from terrorism and to protect civil aviation from risk of unlawful interference.

I can inform the Deputy that An Garda Síochána, in conjunction with stakeholders, has over the past year worked with the Department of Transport to ensure the necessary measures are in place to facilitate implementation of the Regulation.

This work has included a review of the arrangements across all stakeholders to ensure efficiency in processing these enhanced checks.  I am aware that this includes additional personnel being assigned to the necessary processing areas in An Garda Síochána.  I understand that implementation of these background checks is subject to ongoing monitoring and review in conjunction with the State bodies concerned.

Gambling Sector

Ceisteanna (584)

Paul Donnelly

Ceist:

584. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Justice if the recruitment search for a new Chief Executive Officer for the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland will be launched outside the State. [11241/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Justice (Deputy James Browne)

Last October, the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform sanctioned the recruitment of the CEO Designate of the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland, and the process is now underway.

The Public Appointments Service is managing the recruitment in conjunction with an Executive Search Agency. Applications for the position of CEO Designate opened on 25 February 2022, and will remain open until 3:00pm on 21 March 2022. All eligible candidates are encouraged to apply. Full details of eligibility requirements including citizenship criteria are included in the candidate booklet.

The Programme for Government gives a clear commitment to establish a gambling regulator focused on public safety and well-being, covering gambling online and in person, and the powers to regulate advertising, gambling websites and apps.

The Government has approved the Gambling Regulation Bill for priority drafting and publication.

The Bill will set out the framework and legislative basis for the establishment of a new independent, statutory body – the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland – to implement a robust regulatory and licensing regime for the gambling sector. Drafting of the Bill is now underway.

The General Scheme has been referred to the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice for pre-legislative scrutiny.

A Programme Board has been established to ensure that the legislation and the operational preparations are progressed in parallel so that the Authority commences operations as soon as possible after enactment. There is a pathway mapped for this legislation progressing, which will facilitate the Authority being established and operational in 2023.

Policing Authority

Ceisteanna (585)

Paul Donnelly

Ceist:

585. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Justice the number of gardaí that successful completed the HGV course in 2021 and to date in 2022, in tabular form. [11242/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice

As the Deputy will be aware, under the Garda Síochána Act 2005, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the administration and management of An Garda Síochána, including Garda training. As Minister, I have no direct role in these matters.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that the HGV training course is considered to be a specialised programme and is only provided occasionally and to a small number of Garda members on receipt of a business case for same. 

I am further informed that no Garda members have completed the HGV training course in 2021 and to date in 2022.

Policing Authority

Ceisteanna (586)

Paul Donnelly

Ceist:

586. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Justice the number of gardaí by rank assigned to each divisional scenes of crime unit as of 30 June 2020 and 21 February 2022, in tabular form. [11243/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice

As the Deputy will appreciate, in accordance with the Garda Síochána Act 2005 as amended, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána.  Further, the allocation of Garda resources is made in light of identified operational demands.  This includes deployment of personnel among the various Garda Divisions. As Minister, I have no role in these matters.

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 understand 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.

The table following, which has been provided to me by the Garda authorities, sets out the number of gardaí by rank assigned to each Divisional Scenes of Crime Unit at 30 June 2020 and 21 February 2022. 

Division	Garda Rank	30/06/2020	21/02/2022
Kildare	Sergeant	1	1
Kildare	Garda	3	4
Laois/Offaly	Sergeant	1	1
Laois/Offaly	Garda	3	3
Meath	Sergeant	1	1
Meath	Garda	4	4
Waterford/Kilkenny/Carlow	Garda	8	7
Westmeath	Sergeant	1	1
Westmeath	Garda	6	6
Wexford	Garda	4	4
Wicklow	Garda	4	4
Kildare	Sergeant	1	1
Kildare	Garda	3	4
Donegal	Sergeant	1	1
Donegal	Garda	5	4
Galway	Sergeant	1	0
Galway	Garda	5	5
Louth	Sergeant	1	0
Louth	Garda	3	4
Cavan/Monaghan	Garda	4	4
Sligo/Leitrim	Sergeant	1	1
Sligo/Leitrim	Garda	5	4
Mayo	Sergeant	0	0
Mayo	Garda	2	2
Roscommon/Longford	Sergeant	1	1
Roscommon/Longford	Garda	3	3
Tipperary	Garda	5	3
Cork City	Sergeant	1	1
Cork City	Garda	6	6
Cork West	Garda	3	3
Kerry	Sergeant	1	1
Kerry	Garda	5	5
Cork North	Garda	4	4
Clare	Detective Inspector	1	1
Clare	Sergeant	1	1
Clare	Garda	4	4
Limerick	Sergeant	1	1
Limerick	Garda	5	4
DMR West	Sergeant	1	1
DMR West	Garda	11	10
DMR South	Sergeant	1	1
DMR South	Garda	8	8
DMR South Central	Sergeant	1	1
DMR South Central	Garda	9	9
DMR East	Sergeant	1	0
DMR East	Garda	6	5
DMR North Central	Garda	7	6
DMR North	Garda	7	7

Naturalisation Applications

Ceisteanna (587)

Jim O'Callaghan

Ceist:

587. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice if consideration will be given on humanitarian grounds to allowing the appeal against the decision not to grant naturalisation to a person (details supplied). [11311/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice

The granting of Irish citizenship through naturalisation is governed by the provisions of the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956, as amended. All applications for a certificate of naturalisation are processed and assessed individually in accordance with the provisions of the Act. 

Section 15A of the Act provides that, where the application is based on being the spouse or civil partner of an Irish citizen, the requirements include that the couple are married or civil partners to each other for a period of at least three years and are living together and, immediately before the date of application, have a period of one year's continuous residence in the island of Ireland and, during the preceding four years, have a further period amounting to two years (i.e. three years in total).

The documentation submitted with the application for the person referred to by the Deputy has disclosed that at the date of application they did not have the three years required residency. The period from the date of their entry to the island of Ireland until the date of the application for citizenship was less than three years and, therefore, their application for naturalisation has been deemed ineligible.

There is no provision for an appeals process under the legislation. It is open to any individual to lodge an application for citizenship if and when they are in a position to meet the statutory conditions as prescribed in the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956, as amended.

Naturalisation Applications

Ceisteanna (588)

Michael Healy-Rae

Ceist:

588. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae 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. [11489/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice

Applications for naturalisation received by my Department are processed in chronological order. The application for the person referred to by the Deputy will be registered in the coming weeks. Following initial assessment of the application, an application reference number will be issued by my Department. 

My Department is taking a number of steps to speed up the processing of applications and a number of digitisation measures have also been introduced to increase efficiency in the process, including eTax clearance, eVetting and online payments. The end result of the digitisation process will be to free up more staff to focus on processing applications in a timely and efficient manner, to improve service to our customers and reduce waiting times. From the beginning of this year, applicants are also no longer required to submit their original passport with their initial application.

In 2021, my Department issued 11,512 citizenship decisions, which is the highest number of decisions made since 2015, and reflects positively the significant changes undertaken to date. Additional staff have also been assigned to the citizenship team. Based on these measures, my Department's objective is to achieve an improved timeframe of 6-9 months for decisions on a majority of applications during 2022.

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: [e-mail], 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.

Naturalisation Applications

Ceisteanna (589)

Catherine Murphy

Ceist:

589. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Justice the status of an application for citizenship by a person (details supplied); and the date on which citizenship may be granted to the person. [11553/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice

The application for a certificate of naturalisation from the person referred to by the Deputy 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. 

My Department is taking a number of steps to speed up the processing of applications and a number of digitisation measures have also been introduced to increase efficiency in the process, including eTax clearance, eVetting and online payments. The end result of the digitisation process will be to free up more staff to focus on processing applications in a timely and efficient manner, to improve service to our customers and reduce waiting times.

Last year, my Department made 11,512 citizenship decisions, which is the highest level since 2015.  Additional staff have also been assigned to the citizenship team.  Based on these measures, my Department's objective is to achieve an improved timeframe of 6-9 months for decisions on a majority of applications during 2022. 

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: [e-mail], 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.

Naturalisation Applications

Ceisteanna (590)

Catherine Murphy

Ceist:

590. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Justice the status of an application for citizenship by a person (details supplied); and the date on which citizenship may be granted to the person. [11554/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice

The application for a certificate of naturalisation from the person referred to by the Deputy 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.

During this time, it is important that the person maintains their immigration permission and takes all appropriate steps to renew their permission to be in the State.

In accordance with the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956, as amended, an applicant must have had a period of one year’s continuous reckonable residence in the State immediately before the date of the application. As the person concerned has already submitted their application, the six weeks absence rule no longer applies. They should, however, contact my Department at: [e-mail], if they intend to remain outside of the State for an extended period of time.

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. 

My Department is taking a number of steps to speed up the processing of applications and a number of digitisation measures have also been introduced to increase efficiency in the process, including eTax clearance, eVetting and online payments. The end result of the digitisation process will be to free up more staff to focus on processing applications in a timely and efficient manner, to improve service to our customers and reduce waiting times.

Last year, my Department made 11,512 citizenship decisions, which is the highest level since 2015.  Additional staff have also been assigned to the citizenship team.  Based on these measures, my Department's objective is to achieve an improved timeframe of 6-9 months for decisions on a majority of applications during 2022. 

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: [e-mail], 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.

Departmental Correspondence

Ceisteanna (591)

Barry Cowen

Ceist:

591. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Justice the policy instructions or policy documents that she has brought to the attention of An Bord Pleanála since coming into office. [11603/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice

I can inform the Deputy that I have not brought any policy instructions or policy documents to the attention of An Bord Pleanála since I have come into office.

Prison Service

Ceisteanna (592, 594, 601)

Peter Burke

Ceist:

592. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Justice the policy for early release of prisoners from prison; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11636/22]

Peter Burke

Ceist:

594. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Justice the terms under which prisoners are released early from their prison terms; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11638/22]

Patrick Costello

Ceist:

601. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Justice when the last time the rules for temporary release sheets were reviewed; and when the next review is due to take place. [11660/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice

I propose to take Questions Nos. 592, 594 and 601 together.

I can advise the Deputy that the legislative basis for temporary release is set out in the Criminal Justice Act 1960, as amended by the Criminal Justice (Temporary Release of Prisoners) Act 2003.  All applications for temporary release are assessed by the Irish Prison Service on a case-by-case basis.  It is important to note that the safety of the public is paramount when decisions on temporary release are being made.   

Before a final determination is made a number of factors are taken into account including -

- the nature and gravity of the offence to which the sentence relates

- the sentence concerned and any recommendation made by the Court in relation to the sentence imposed

- the person's previous criminal record

- the potential threat to the safety and security of the public should the person be released

- the risk that  the person might commit an offence during any period of temporary release

- the risk of the person failing to comply with any of the conditions of temporary release

All temporary releases are subject to conditions and any offender who breaches his or her conditions may be arrested and returned to prison immediately by the Gardaí or may be refused another period of temporary release.  The conditions for Temporary Release are set out in Statutory Instrument No 680/2004 (Temporary release) Rules 2004 and there are no plans to review the rules at this time.

The Irish Prison Service is working towards the objective of ensuring that all prisoners released early from custody are placed on an appropriately structured programme of temporary release.

In this regard, the Community Return Scheme is an initiative whereby carefully selected prisoners, serving sentences between 1 year and 8 years, can be granted reviewable temporary release coupled with a requirement to do community service work such as painting, gardening or graffiti removal in a supervised group setting under the supervision of the Probation Service.    

The type of work involved is intended to assist the community and the scheme is involved with a large number of charitable organisations and local community groups. 

In addition to Community Return, a Community Support Scheme has also been introduced to reduce recidivism rates of short term prisoners by arranging for additional support structures post release and by providing for a more structured form of temporary release.