Written Answers Nos. 719-743
721. Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the provision that is being made to accommodate those students who have returned to Ireland from the Ukraine and who can no longer continue with their studies due to the conflict there and who wish to continue with their studies in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14550/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am aware of approximately 50 Irish students, who were studying Medicine and Dentistry in Ukraine and whose studies have been disrupted as a result of the invasion. Officials from my Department have been in touch with them to establish certain baseline data including the status of their studies. A key element of any process to facilitate the continuity of their studies will be to understand the alignment of the students’ Ukrainian programme with the Irish system of medical and dentistry education, along with other issues arising regarding accreditation by the professional bodies.
I am working closely with the higher education sector to see what can be done to support them and facilitate the continuity of their studies. This work is ongoing.
722. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the estimated cost of restoring the SUSI grant back to pre-2011 budget rates. [14559/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraIt is not possible to definitively estimate the full year cost of restoring the SUSI grant scheme to pre-2011 levels.
To put it in context, in 2010/11 there were 71,532 students who benefitted from grant support at a cost of €355m, whereas in 2020/21 there were 74,755 students in receipt of grant support at a cost of €363m.
In the intervening years we have centralised the student grant scheme (replacing four separate schemes and sixty six awarding authorities with one scheme administered by a centralised awarding authority), had a complete turnover of students, income levels have changed and a number of changes have been made to the annual schemes which affect eligibility criteria.
However, it is estimated that it would cost in the region of €80m to reverse all of the adjustments that have been made to the student grant scheme since 2011.
723. Deputy Richard O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if his attention has been drawn to the poverty students are experiencing due to the increase in fuel cost given that many students drive to college due to the lack of bus services in rural areas and the lack of accommodation available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14690/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe student grant is an absolutely critical support for the students who receive it. That is why, following taking up my Ministerial appointment, I initiated a Review of the Student Grant Scheme to see where improvements would be most effective. The importance of this Review has been underlined by the rise in the costs of living across society. This has impacted students who have been affected by the increasing costs of accommodation and a range of other costs.
It is my strong view that cost and access issues must be considered in tandem with the issues of system funding and reform. If we want the best outcomes, we need a well funded system which is accessible to people regardless of their background. Reform of the student support system can also be a critical enabler of other strategic outcomes across the tertiary system, including enhanced lifelong learning and stronger diversity among the postgraduate community. Given these interconnections, it is my intention to bring the Student grant review to Cabinet alongside the report on funding and reform of higher education.
Implementing the Report recommendations is a key priority for my Department. Accordingly, I have already initiated improvements to the Student Grant Scheme for the academic year 2022/23 to allow early progress in addressing key themes emerging from the Review of SUSI, and to further alleviate the pressures arising from the recent trends in the cost of living for students and their families. These changes have been targeted at alleviating cost of living pressures for students and their families, supporting students who have to travel longer distances to their institution, recognising the need to reflect changes in income levels and expanding supports for postgraduates.
The changes I made in Budget 2022, will mean that from the next academic year:-
- All student grant maintenance payments, including the special rate of grant, will increase by €200 per year.
- The income thresholds to qualify for the standard rates of student grant will increase by €1,000.
- The qualifying distance criterion for students to qualify for the non-adjacent rate of grant has been reduced from 45km to 30km. This means from the commencement of the 2022/23 academic year, students who reside 30km or more from the college attended will now qualify for the higher, non-adjacent rate of grant (of up to €6,115 for the non-adjacent special rate of grant for the most disadvantaged students).
These changes will benefit thousands of students and will build on the improvements that have already been made through this year’s student grant scheme.
In addition, I understand the Department of Transport have introduced a new "Youth Travel Card" as part of Budget 2022, which will offer 50% discount on fares across the public transport network for those aged 19 to 23.
Apart from the Student Grant Scheme, students in third-level institutions experiencing exceptional financial need can apply for support under the Student Assistance Fund. This Fund assists students, in a sensitive and compassionate manner, who might otherwise be unable to continue their third level studies due to their financial circumstances. Information on the fund is available through the Access Officer in the third level institution attended. The fund is administered on a confidential, discretionary basis. In 2020 and 2021, as part of the package of COVID supports, the Department allocated €10m to an Access Funding package which resulted in the doubling of the Student Assistance Fund (€8.1m) and additional funding of €1.9m for other vulnerable students in line with the National Access Plan and through existing structures within HEIs. Also in 2021, an additional €1.3m was allocated to the SAF to meet the additional demands identified by the Higher Education Institutions arising from COVID19.
In addition, tax relief at the standard rate of tax may be claimed in respect of tuition fees paid for approved courses at approved colleges of higher education. Further information on this tax relief is available from a student's local Tax Office or from the Revenue Commissioners website, www.revenue.ie.
724. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of students’ studies that have been directly disrupted by the war in Ukraine; and the status of his Department’s work on their behalf to ensure that they are in a position to complete their studies having fled from Ukraine. [14717/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy will be aware that as many Ukrainian refugees arriving in Ireland traumatised, the Government's priority is to provide sanctuary and immediate supports such as food and housing. Therefore, only limited data is gathered by the Irish Visa Authorities, and as such, there is no available data on the number of students arriving in Ireland. However, through engagements between officials from my Department and higher education representative associations, I understand a number of Ukrainian students have approached Irish universities and institutes of technology directly seeking to continue their studies.
I am also aware of approximately 50 Irish students, who were studying Medicine and Dentistry in Ukraine and whose studies have been disrupted as a result of the invasion. Officials from my Department have been in touch with them to establish certain baseline data including the status of their studies. A key element of any process to facilitate the continuity of their studies will be to understand the alignment of the students’ Ukrainian programme with the Irish system of medical and dentistry education, along with other issues arising regarding accreditation by the professional bodies.
In line with the overall Government position, my Department and agencies will work together to support Ukrainian and Irish students, whose studies have been affected by the invasion. I am working closely with the higher education sector to see what can be done to support them and facilitate the continuity of their studies. This work is ongoing.
725. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science his plans to help Irish students returning from Ukraine to continue their studies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14749/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has been in contact with a number of Irish students, who were studying Medicine and Dentistry in Ukraine and whose studies have been disrupted as a result of the invasion. I am working closely with the higher education sector to see what can be done to support them and facilitate the continuity of their studies.
A key element of this process will be to understand the alignment of the students’ Ukrainian programme with the Irish system of medical and dentistry education, along with other issues arising regarding accreditation by the professional bodies.
In line with the overall Government position, my Department and agencies will work together to support students affected by the invasion. This work is ongoing.
726. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the steps he is taking to ensure interim list of eligible programmes, ILEP, rules are adequately enforced; if he will bring forward proposals to regulate agencies that sell English language courses in the State and provide greater levels of learner protection; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14750/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraIssues regarding overseas travel agencies have previously been brought to the attention of my Department. These agencies are privately owned and primarily operate in other jurisdictions arranging study and travel options for prospective International Higher Education (HE) and English language education (ELE) students to many countries including Ireland. These agencies act as intermediaries between prospective students and predominantly private ELE and HE providers, who secure payments for courses and assist students with travel, accommodation, and visa requirements.
As this is principally a private sector activity and a matter of private contract between the parties involved the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science does not have a role in these matters. There is presently no national regulation of such agencies as many entities of this type are based in other jurisdictions and operate outside of the State.
Education providers in Ireland wishing to recruit non-EEA students are required to be listed on the ILEP (the Interim List of Eligible Programmes - the list of education programmes considered to justify the granting of permission to students to live and work in Ireland). The ILEP is managed by the Department of Justice in conjunction with the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science.
A condition of an ILEP listing is a requirement for education providers to operate an 'escrow' type account with a bank or financial institution regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland. Providers are required to hold funds on behalf of prospective students pending the outcome of their application for a visa. Where the visa decision is positive the funds are transferred to the provider. If the visa application is refused the funds (less any pre-agreed charges) are refunded to the student.
The Government is taking further steps to strengthen the regulation of the English language sector. The Qualifications and Quality Assurance (Education and Training) (Amendment) Act 2019 contains provisions to provide for the establishment of a new national Learner Protection Fund and also the International Education Mark (IEM).
The new national Learner Protection Fund will be established and administered by Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI), the national agency with responsibility for external quality assurance and qualifications across the further, higher and adult education sectors. The fund will be used to ‘teach out’ a programme in the event that a provider fails to provide a programme. Should this not be possible, the fund will be used to reimburse students for the most recent fees that have been paid.
The International Education Mark (IEM) is a key component of the Irish Government’s policy for the English language education sector and is intended to provide a quality framework for the provision of education to international learners. To obtain the IEM providers will have to demonstrate compliance with requirements on corporate fitness, quality assurance and the protection of enrolled learners, alongside key criteria and practices surrounding the recruitment and admission of international students, information provision, student welfare, cultural awareness and academic support provisions. In addition, providers will also be required to satisfy conditions relating to the recruitment, training and the cessation of employment of staff.
This Department is currently working with QQI to develop and implement the key precursor measures that are necessary to facilitate the introduction of the Learner Protection Fund and the IEM and it is the intention that substantial progress will be made on advancing this work in 2022.
727. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the workforce demand figures relating to apprenticeship numbers. [14768/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland has a developed national skills system across further and higher education and apprenticeship, lifelong learning and human capital development, under the framework of the National Skills Strategy. Underpinned by strong partnership with key stakeholders, it is focused on responding flexibly to priority skill needs and to technology-driven changes in the world of work so that Ireland has a skilled and productive workforce.
Under the National Skills Strategy, the skills ecosystem encompasses the National Skills Council and Regional Skills Fora and labour market information entities including the Skills and Labour Market Research Unit in SOLAS and the Expert Group on Future Skills Needs. This response facilitates engagement, dialogue, and collaboration between relevant Government Departments and agencies, the education and training system, enterprise agencies, and private sector representatives, and informs and drives responsive and flexible forecasting, planning, and provision across all sectors of the economy. It helps to identify skills provision shortfalls to be addressed by the education and training system and concerns relating to labour shortages in particular sectors that relate to other factors.
In line with commitments in the National Economic Recovery Plan, and in partnership with the OECD, I launched a Skills Strategy Project which will play an important role in ensuring that Ireland's skills system is effective in meeting skills and human capital needs. It will be central to our economic and social sustainability against the backdrop of major trends impacting on the workforce and society including digitisation and climate transition.
Apprenticeship is a demand driven educational and training programme which develops the skills of an apprentice in order to meet industry and labour market needs. Consequently, the number of apprentices being registered is determined by employers in the sector. The development of new apprenticeships is also employer-led and it is open to employers to work with education and training providers to develop new apprenticeships if there is sufficient demand from the sector. Further details can be found on www.apprenticeship.ie.
The ‘Action Plan for Apprenticeship 2021-2025’ aims to ensure that the apprenticeship system will contribute to meeting Ireland’s skills and human capital requirements by delivering on a target of 10,000 apprenticeship registrations per annum by 2025.
The Plan sets out new ways of structuring, funding, and promoting apprenticeships to make them more accessible to employers and learners. Expanding apprenticeship across all sectors of the economy has widened its impact in areas of skills shortage such as Engineering, Technology Skills, Logistics and FinTech. Under the Plan there will be an increase in online visibility of apprenticeship engagement and apprenticeship development processes for employers/sectors who wish to assess the potential for new apprenticeship development.
There are currently 64 apprenticeship programmes on offer: 25 craft programmes and 39 programmes introduced since 2016. Eight new programmes were launched over 2020 and 2021, despite the pandemic: Arboriculture, Equipment Systems Engineer, Healthcare Assistant, Principal Engineer – Professional Doctorate, Recruitment Executive, Sales, Scaffolding, Supply Chain Associate. Two new programmes have launched in recent weeks: Wind Turbine Maintenance and Bar Manager with another, Transport Operations and Commercial Driving also expected to launch shortly.
There are 12 additional programmes being developed across agriculture, construction, engineering, equine, finance, horticulture, hospitality and food, ICT and logistics. A number of other potential apprenticeships are at an exploratory stage, in sectors such as health, beauty, environmental, engineering, ICT and finance.
A total of €34 million was provided in Budget 2022 to expand apprenticeship, including the development of new programmes noted above, the establishment of the National Apprenticeship Office which will operationalise the new system, and funding to introduce a new employer grant. This grant of €2,000 per eligible apprentice is designed to encourage more employers to engage with a wider range of apprenticeships and to help encourage the development of new programmes. It also means that, for the first time, all employers will receive a level of support towards the cost of apprentice training.
In 2021 there were a record 8,607 registrations- up from 6,177 for 2019, the last pre-COVID full year, and the highest annual registrations since the 2006 figure of 8,306, showing the high degree of interest in this career option amongst both employers and potential apprentices. At the end of 2021, the overall apprentice population was 24,212.
The increase in registrations, despite the pandemic, provides us with a solid pipeline of new talent coming through the apprenticeship system and highlights the huge interest in this area of training. The measures I have outlined above, combined with other deliverables in the Action Plan, mean that we are supporting further progress towards achieving the vision articulated in the Plan and can respond to identified skills shortages.
728. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will respond to matters raised in correspondence (details supplied) regarding greenkeeping in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14812/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraApprenticeships are available in many sectors such as manufacturing, hospitality, construction, and retail. The continued expansion of the apprenticeship system into new sectors of the economy such as agriculture and horticulture, together with the opportunity of online and blended learning, will bring real opportunities for learners and employers throughout the country.
This is a key priority under the Action Plan for Apprenticeship 2021-2025, which aims to increase annual registrations to 10,000 across an increasing range of programmes, in line with skills demands within the economy.
Proposed amendments to the Industrial Training Act, 1967, to widen the potential scope of new apprenticeship programmes are included under the General Scheme of Higher Education Authority Bill 2022. This will facilitate the development of programmes such as greenkeeping. The Bill was published in January of this year and is currently at committee stage.
The Deputy should note that regarding the area of sports turf management that there is currently an apprenticeship in development in the area of Sports Turf Management. Subject to the legislative changes referenced above, this will be able to be considered under the usual development process.
729. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if there are any options for persons who have survived serious illness including cancer to continue working for a limited number of hours per week and to continue to avail of their public service pensions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15089/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThird level institutes are responsible for the administration of the pension schemes under their remit and will be aware of their responsibility to operate in accordance with the provisions of the relevant pension schemes. I respect the autonomy of the third level institutions and their responsibility to operate in compliance with regulations.
In general, public sector pension schemes provide for early retirement on the grounds of ill health and while I am mindful that there are cases with mitigating factors, I would encourage individuals in such circumstances to engage with the relevant institutions concerned.
730. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he received correspondence from this Deputy on 9 March 2022 in relation to parents of Irish citizens who hold a stamp 4 and cannot access SUSI; and if he will issue a response. [15095/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can confirm that the correspondence referred to by the Deputy has been received. A response is breing prioritised and will issue shortly.
The nationality requirements for the Student Grant Scheme are set out in Section 14 of the Student Support Act 2011 and Regulation 5 of the Student Support Regulations 2021. The candidate's nationality or immigration status in the State determines whether or not she or he meets the nationality requirement outlined in the Act and Regulations, and would be therefore eligible to qualify for a student grant.
Permission to remain in the State on the basis of a Stamp 4 Visa, of itself, does not meet the nationality requirements of the Student Grant Scheme 2021.
There is provision for a review of eligibility where a person’s circumstances changes in the academic year. This includes a change in relation to a student's nationality or immigration status. Where a student acquires Irish citizenship by naturalisation, or is granted one of the permission to remain criterion provided for in the Act or Regulations during the course of their studies, she or he may apply to SUSI to have their application re-assessed.
I think it is important that our approach to these issues is equitable and consistent with the intent and purpose of the immigration permissions which are granted to individuals.
Following representations from the Irish Refugee Council, NASC and others in relation to Stamp 4 visa holders, I have asked my officials to look at the issue raised today by the Deputy, including engagement with the Department of Justice and Equality. I have also asked them to look at the wider issues of alignment of SUSI and free fees supports with immigration permissions, in collaboration with other relevant Departments, and provide advice to me on whether any changes are required.
731. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Justice if there are plans to bring forward any amending legislation and or regulations in light of the Data Commissioner finding against Limerick City and County Council and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13840/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am conscious that the rollout of community CCTV schemes across the country has benefitted many communities, helping people to feel safer in their local areas. It is a priority for my Department to ensure that community groups continue to be supported in their valued contributions to their local CCTV schemes whilst ensuring sufficient, proportionate oversight of data protection statutory considerations.
Community-based CCTV is currently governed by Section 38(3)(c) of the Garda Síochána Act 2005 and the Garda Síochána (CCTV) Order 2006 (SI 289 of 2006). This legal framework requires that any proposed community CCTV scheme must:
- be approved by the local Joint Policing Committee;
- have the prior support of the relevant local authority, which must also act as data controller; and
- have the authorisation of the Garda Commissioner.
This is the legal basis for all community CCTV schemes, regardless of how they are funded. These key legal requirements have not changed since 2006.
My Department is currently working on a new Bill, the Garda Síochána (Digital Recording) Bill, relating to Garda powers to use modern digital technology including body worn cameras, ANPR and CCTV. As part of that Bill, it is intended to repeal Section 38 of the 2005 Act and to replace it with new CCTV provisions.
The Data Protection Commission wrote to my Department on 23 September 2020 indicating that there were problems with the administration of CCTV schemes across Ireland. There was no particular mention of schemes in County Limerick. In that letter, the DPC offered observations on the draft general scheme of the Garda Síochána (Digital Recording) Bill which are currently being addressed.
The General Scheme of the Garda Síochána (Digital Recording) Bill was approved by the Government and published on 29 April 2021. The General Scheme was sent to the Office of Parliamentary Counsel for formal drafting, and drafting is continuing. It is the intention to publish the Bill in the second quarter of 2022 and to complete its passage through the Oireachtas later this year.
My Department first became aware of the particular problems in Limerick City and County on 21 January 2022, when the DPC forwarded its report to assist my Department in drafting the new Bill. I understand that the Council and the Garda authorities are taking steps to address the issues raised by the DPC with a view to ensuring continuity of the CCTV schemes.
732. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Justice the cost incurred by her Department for the supply of Covid-19-related face masks and face coverings since March 2019 to date; the name of the supplier involved; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13896/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra733. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Justice the cost incurred by her Department for the supply of Covid-19-related hand sanitiser since March 2019 to date; the name of the supplier involved; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13914/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 732 and 733 together.
I wish to advise the Deputy that the costs incurred by my Department for the supply of COVID-19 related hand sanitiser, face masks, face coverings and the name of the suppliers involved since March 2019 to date are outlined in the below tables.
Hand sanitiser
|
Supplier |
Costs |
|
Look Sales Ltd |
€4,569.45 |
|
NorthEast Hygiene |
€69,429.10 |
Face masks and coverings
|
Supplier |
Costs |
|
Bunzl |
€353.63 |
|
Look Sales Ltd. |
€52,260.70 |
|
NorthEast Hygiene |
€4,533.17 |
734. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Justice if consideration will be given by her Department for a visa waiver for family members of Irish citizens who are currently residing in Belarus; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13926/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn 25 February, I announced the immediate lifting of visa requirements for Ukrainian citizens. This has streamlined and supported the swift exit of both the Ukrainian family members of Irish citizens, and the family members of people from Ukraine who are resident in Ireland. It applies as an emergency measure to all Ukrainians travelling to Ireland and is a humanitarian response to the rapidly evolving situation in Ukraine.
While it is the case that non EEA nationals seeking come to Ireland and who are from a visa-required country, including those from Belarus, require a visa to travel to Ireland, I am keeping such issues under ongoing review, having regard to both humanitarian and necessary security considerations appropriate to the State.
735. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Justice her plans for persons arriving from Ukraine to have their documentation expedited in order for them to access social protection services and supports as soon as possible; and if her attention has been drawn to the potential waiting time for documents of between four to nine weeks. [13981/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra775. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Justice further to Parliamentary Question No. 170 of 9 March 2022, when she envisions being able to offer permission letters at arrival points other than Dublin Airport. [14745/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 735 and 775 together.
The EU Temporary Protection Directive (2001/55/EC) has been activated in response to the Ukraine crisis. Ireland participates in this measure, which is given legal effect under Section 60 of the International Protection Act 2015.Those eligible for Temporary Protection (granted initially for one year, but renewable) will have immediate access to the labour market, social welfare, accommodation and other State supports as necessary. A whole-of-Government response is being mobilised to implement the practical arrangements to give effect to these commitments.
So far, approximately 90 per cent of Ukrainians who have entered the State have been welcomed at Dublin Airport. Beneficiaries are being provided with their permission letter on arrival at the airport in the 'one-stop-shop' established by my Department for that purpose, to ensure early access to all necessary supports. Approximately 5,800 temporary protection permissions have already been issued by my Department since the activation of the EU Directive.
Arrangements have also now been put in place to provide permission letters to those who arrived at Dublin Airport prior to 9 March (when permission letters started to issue) and to those who have arrived at other ports of entry to the State.
For people who are staying in State provided accommodation, staff from my Department are visiting these accommodation locations and will provide permission letters there.
Alternatively, permission letters can be obtained by visiting the Ukraine Support Centre in Cork Street, Dublin 8. The centre is open Monday to Friday from 9.15am to 5.00pm. On Saturdays, the centre is open from 9.15am to 3.00pm. There, people can also receive assistance from the Department of Social Protection to obtain PPSN numbers, social welfare income supports, and to receive referrals to other State services.
Arrangements are also being put in place that will allow people to obtain their permission letters from the Ukraine Support Centre in Hanover Street in Cork City and from the third Support Centre that will open shortly in Limerick. Further details on this will be announced shortly.
A centralised Government information portal is available at: www.gov.ie/ukraine, which is regularly updated.
My Department’s Irish Immigration website also contains a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page, which can be viewed at:
www.irishimmigration.ie/faqs-for-ukraine-nationals-and-residents-of-ukraine/.
736. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Justice the measures that are in place to ensure the safety of ambassadorial and diplomatic staff and the premises from which they operate in Ireland; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13991/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, which is given the force of law in the State by the Diplomatic Relations and Immunities Act 1967, places on the receiving State a special duty to take all appropriate steps to protect the premises of a diplomatic mission against any intrusion or damage and to prevent any disturbance of the peace of the mission or impairment of its dignity.
An Garda Síochána keep under review the situation with regard to the protection of diplomatic missions in the State and provide a policing response, as appropriate but the Deputy will understand that it is not the practice for sound reasons of security, to comment on specific security measures in place in respect of diplomatic missions in the State.
737. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Justice the actions that her Department has taken to implement the relevant recommendations from the Joint Committee on Key Issues Affecting the Traveller Community report issued in November 2021. [14009/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy may be aware, on 14 October 2020, the Disability, Equality, Human Rights, Integration and Reception (Transfer of Departmental Administration and Ministerial Functions) Order 2020 came into operation.
Under article 3(2)(a) of this Order, the functions vested in the Minister for Justice and Equality in relation to the co-ordination of Government policy in relation to Traveller and Roma rights in Irish society were transferred to the Department of Children and Youth Affairs.
My colleague, the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, has responsibility for coordinating the monitoring and implementation of the National Traveller and Roma Inclusion Strategy (NTRIS).
Chapter 4 of the report referred to by the Deputy deals with “recommendations on accommodation”, and includes a recommendation (number 82) that: “Trespass legislation, in particular where it relates to publicly owned land, should be repealed until the network of transient sites is in place."
Insofar as this recommendation relates indirectly to legislation under my remit, an amendment made by the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2002 inserted Part IIA, sections 19A to 19H into the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act 1994. These sections relate to trespass and eviction powers assigned to an Garda Síochána in the event of entry on and placing objects on land without consent.
I am advised that the “Traveller Accommodation Expert Review - Programme Board Update” as published by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage on 14 March 2022 addressed this area and noted that the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage has been engaging with the Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE) to explore the possibility of setting up a network of Transient sites on an all Island basis and is considering the next steps including exploring it further with the Housing Agency.
738. Deputy Denise Mitchell asked the Minister for Justice if she will provide an update regarding a legislative proposal to address concerns in relation to jury selection and income protection with regard to the upcoming Stardust inquest; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14016/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI want to acknowledge the suffering of the families of all the victims of the Stardust tragedy and to commend them for their determination in keeping the memories of their loved ones alive in the years since.
The role of my Department is to support the Senior Dublin Coroner, Dr. Myra Cullinane, who has been tasked with carrying out the inquests. The Coroner by law is fully independent in the conduct of the inquests.
Section 43 of the Coroners Act 1962 prescribes the method of jury selection for an inquest. The provisions of the Juries Act 1976, apart from one section on liability to serve on an inquest jury, do not apply. These provisions of the Juries Act relate to trials. There is no trial at an inquest; it is not an adversarial process. Rather it is a fact-finding process. No matters of criminal or civil liability or exoneration may be pronounced by the jury or the coroner at an inquest.
There is no statutory authority under the Coroners Act to prescribe fees or expenses to jurors for service at inquests when summoned so do so by a coroner. The provisions of the Juries Act 1976 (specifically section 29 relating to continued payment of salaries by employers to jurors) do not apply to coroner inquests.
In light of the concerns raised with regard to juries and the particular circumstances of the Stardust inquests, I indicated in my contribution in the Seanad on 23 February, that the Government will not oppose the Coroners (Provision for Jury Selection) (Amendment) Bill 2022. However, as currently drafted, there are significant technical conflicts in the Bill with existing legislation, including the Coroners Act 1962, the Juries Act 1976 and the Courts Service Act 1998.
My officials and I are working to find a resolution to these issues and I hope to be in a position to present proposals to Government shortly. I want to reassure you that this work will be completed as quickly as possible to ensure that it causes no delay to the inquests.
739. Deputy Michael Collins asked the Minister for Justice the status of a visa in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14030/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe person referred to by the Deputy created an online study visa application on 4 November 2021. The supporting documentation and relevant fee were received on 8 November 2021 in the Ankara visa office.
Processing of this application is ongoing at present. As each application is examined under its own merits, it is not possible to give an exact time-frame for completion. However, the person concerned can be assured that there will be no avoidable delay in finalising their application.
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.
740. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Justice the number of persons who died while in prison in each of the past ten years and to date in 2022; and if a breakdown can be provided on the causes of death in tabular form. [14051/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have sought the information requested by the Deputy from the Irish Prison Service, however, the information was not available in time. I will write to the Deputy once the information is to hand.
741. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Justice the number of prisoners in the State who reported being assaulted while in prison in each of the past ten years and to date in 2022; and if a breakdown can be provided on the nature of the assaults in tabular form. [14052/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by my officials in the Irish Prison Service that the statistics on the number of assaults reported within the Irish Prison estate in the year 2021 are currently being reviewed and will be published on their website in due course.
The statistics will include prisoner on prisoner assaults and prisoner on staff assaults and will be broken down by prison.
I am further advised that the information requested by the Deputy for 2010 -2020 is published by the Irish Prison Service and is available on their website, www.irishprisons.ie
742. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Justice the number of persons currently in prison in the State. [14053/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can advise the Deputy that on 21st March 2022 there are 3,982 people in custody.
The Deputy may wish to note that a full breakdown of the number of people currently in prison is included in the Daily Population figures which are published on the website of the Irish Prison Service – www.irishprisons.ie.
743. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Justice the number of Irish Prison Service employees sacked or dismissed in each of the past ten years and to date in 2022; and if she can provide a reason for dismissal in each case in tabular form. [14054/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have sought the information requested by the Deputy from the Irish Prison Service, however, the information was not available in time. I will write to the Deputy once the information is to hand.
|
2013 |
2017 |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
Total |
|
|
Total |
4 |
10 |
5 |
2 |
2 |
23 |
