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Gnáthamharc

Tuesday, 5 Apr 2022

Written Answers Nos. 588-610

Further and Higher Education

Ceisteanna (588)

Patrick Costello

Ceist:

588. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will include care leavers as a priority cohort in the next National Access Plan for Higher Education 2022-2026. [18254/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I am happy to report that work on the development of the new National Access Plan is at an advanced stage.

Following an extensive consultation process, over 122 submissions were received and reviewed from a wide range of stakeholders. It has been suggested in some of the submissions received that people in care and care leavers should be included as a priority group in the next Plan.

The Plan seeks to target vulnerable students or students who have experienced disadvantage and therefore face challenges in accessing higher education and experience belonging in higher education. The consultation process highlighted the importance of recognising and naming additional ‘priority groups’ in the NAP. I can say that all submissions received have been carefully considered in the development of the National Access Plan.

Colleagues are currently preparing a memo for Government with the intention of publishing the new Plan in the coming months.

Question No. 589 answered with Question No. 581.

Departmental Contracts

Ceisteanna (590)

Mattie McGrath

Ceist:

590. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the cost of consultants to his Department in 2020, 2021 and to date in 2022; and if he will provide an outline of the role of each.; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18889/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science came into existence in 2020. Prior to the department's establishment the information was managed and published by the Department of Education and is available at www.gov.ie/en/collection/department-of-education-and-skills-expenditure-on-consultancy/.

The data in respect of 2021 is being compiled as part of the Appropriation Account and will be published online as soon as it is available at www.gov.ie/en/organisation/department-of-higher-education-innovation-and-science/.

Departmental Data

Ceisteanna (591, 625)

Pa Daly

Ceist:

591. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Justice further to Parliamentary Question No. 332 of 22 March 2022, the number of applications for the undocumented migrants scheme that have been received to date; the number that have been approved to date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18378/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Gino Kenny

Ceist:

625. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Justice the number of applications for the undocumented migrants scheme that have been received to date; the number that have been approved to date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18294/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 591 and 625 together.

The main scheme for the Regularisation of Long Term Undocumented Migrants opened for applications on 31 January 2022. The separate strand for international protection applicants who have been in the asylum process for a minimum of two years opened a week later on 7 February 2022.

There has been a very positive level of engagement with the scheme since it opened, with approximately 5,000 applications made to date to the two strands.

My Department committed to making the online application process as simple and as straightforward as possible and because of this is now in a position to issue the first positive decisions just two months in. Around 250 positive decisions have issued under the two strands in recent days and processing of all other applications remains ongoing. Permission letters have started to arrive in homes across the country with life changing news for those receiving them and their families. I want to congratulate everyone who has received a letter and to thank them for trusting us and coming forward to regularise their position in the State. This is just the start and we will see more decisions and permissions issuing in the coming weeks.

It is very important that people who are eligible do not miss out on the opportunity to apply to this scheme. To build on the early momentum and continue raising awareness of the scheme, my Department will run a targeted communications campaign in the coming weeks to reach out to migrant communities likely to benefit from the scheme to encourage them to consider applying.

My Department is also continuing to engage with the NGO community and other stakeholders who have played and will continue to play a key role in building confidence in the scheme among the more vulnerable members of those migrant communities. I hope seeing these first positive decisions issuing will encourage more people to apply for what is truly a once-in-a-generation opportunity to regularise their status in the State.

I encourage all undocumented migrants who are eligible to apply for the main scheme to do so before the closing date of 31 July 2022. Applications can be made online at: inisonline.jahs.ie. Further details regarding the qualifying criteria, the required documentation, and how to apply for the scheme are available on my Department's immigration website at: www.irishimmigration.ie/regularisation-of-long-term-undocumented-migrant-scheme. The International Protection Office of my Department has written to approximately 4,000 potentially eligible applicants inviting them to apply. Over 1,300 people from this cohort have applied so far. This strand of the scheme is open for applications until 7 August 2022. Further information can be found on the website of the IPO at: www.ipo.gov.ie/en/ipo/pages/whatsnew.

Online Safety

Ceisteanna (592)

Thomas Gould

Ceist:

592. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Justice the legislation under which certain websites are required to have age gate verification. [17512/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Under the provisions set out in Article 8 of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), countries within the EU are directed to set a minimum age at which online service providers, including social media companies, can rely on a child’s consent to process their personal information data. This is an EU wide instrument and Member States, including Ireland, cannot deviate from its provisions.

Under Section 31(1) of the Data Protection Act 2018, the age of a child specified for the purposes of Article 8 is 16 years of age. This means that if an organisation is relying on consent as the legal basis (justification) for processing a child’s personal data and the child is under 16 years of age, then consent must be given or authorised by the child’s parents or guardians.

Additionally, Section 32(1)(b) of the 2018 Act outlines that the Data Protection Commission shall encourage the drawing up of codes of conduct intended to contribute to the proper application of the Data Protection Regulation with regard to the manner in which the consent of the holders of parental responsibility over a child is to be obtained for the purposes of Article 8.

My Department continues to monitor the impact of the implementation of GDPR, the impact of any possible future regulatory changes across Europe as well as any changes within industry, in conjunction with the Data Protection Commission, to ensure that the Commission continues to have the resources required to fulfil its important, statutory obligations.

Legislative Measures

Ceisteanna (593)

Patrick Costello

Ceist:

593. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Justice the status of the progression of the criminal justice (community sanctions) Bill 2014. [17571/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Non-custodial penalties, particularly supervised community sanctions, play a significant and important role in addressing criminality, reducing reoffending and providing a degree of protection to the public. This is supported by Central Statistics Office figures on recidivism.

As the Deputy will be aware, the Criminal Justice (Community Sanctions) Bill 2014 seeks to update the Probation of Offenders Act 1907.

The aim of the new Bill is to provide a modern statement of the law governing community sanctions, and the role of the Probation Service in the criminal justice system. It will facilitate the effective and efficient use of community sanctions by the courts, and will ensure that the courts have a wide range of appropriate options for dealing with persons who have committed minor offences.

The legislation also takes account of the interests of victims of crime by making it a statutory requirement for the courts to have regard to the interests of victims when making decisions about community sanctions.

Justice Plan 2022 commits that the policy review of the General Scheme of the Criminal Justice (Community Sanctions) Bill 2014 will be completed in the second quarter of this year. Once this review is complete, it is envisaged that it will be published and a revised General Scheme of Bill agreed in the third quarter of this year with the aim of publishing the Bill in the final quarter of 2022.

Legislative Reviews

Ceisteanna (594)

Patrick Costello

Ceist:

594. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Justice when the planned review of the Criminal Justice (Community Service) (Amendment) Act 2011 will take place. [17575/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Non-custodial penalties, particularly supervised community sanctions, play a significant and important role in addressing criminality, reducing reoffending and providing a degree of protection to the public. This is supported by Central Statistics Office figures on recidivism.

As the Deputy will be aware, the Programme for Government 2020 contains a broad range of policies and proposals that represent a coherent approach to enhancing and sustaining a more just and safe society with a specific commitment to review policy options for prison and penal reform.

In September 2020, I established a high level working group including the Head of Criminal Justice Policy, the Director-General of the Irish Prison Service and the Director of the Probation Service to take forward the Government’s commitment to review policy options for prison and penal reform.

The review is considering commitments and on-going developments across the justice sector and beyond, including those outlined in a number of relevant strategies. The completion of the review of the Community Service (Amendment) Act 2011 and the use of short custodial sentences forms part of the high level group’s ongoing work to review policy options for prison and penal reform.

In line with Justice Plan 2022, I intend to publish the Action Plan for Penal Reform in the coming weeks.

Prison Service

Ceisteanna (595)

Patrick Costello

Ceist:

595. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Justice if she will carry out a review of single cell accommodation across the prison estate before the end of 2022. [17576/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As the Deputy will appreciate, the number of people in custody varies over time. The Irish Prison Service carries out cell occupancy census at regular intervals and the data from the latest published cell occupancy census carried out by the Service indicates that 54% of prisoners in custody are accommodated in single cell accommodation.

The provision of single cell accommodation for all prisoners is not currently feasible due to the existing capacity within the prison estate, and current levels of committals.

The Deputy may be aware that there are approximately 3,300 usable cells in the estate with approximately 3,980 people in custody at any point in time.

The Deputy may also wish to note that some prisoners are accommodated in multi-occupancy cells for reasons other than capacity and some prisoners, at committal stage, indicate a preference to share a cell with another person who may be known to them.

It is important to note that all prisoners are assessed by prison management on committal with regard to their suitability for sharing a cell.

I can also advise the Deputy that Government continues to invest in the capital development of the prison estate. Later this year, the reopening of the Training in Mountjoy unit will provide an additional 96 spaces. The opening of new male accommodation in Limerick in late 2022 will result in an additional 90 prisoner cell spaces being available and the completion of a new standalone female prison currently underway in Limerick prison will provide 40 new female cell spaces later this year.

The need to ensure the continued availability of modern prison facilities with adequate capacity will be central to the development of the new Irish Prison Service Capital Strategy 2023, against the background of the work underway as part of the Programme for Government commitment to develop policies and proposals to review policy options for prison and penal reform, including the effective and appropriate use of non-custodial sanctions.

Prison Service

Ceisteanna (596)

Patrick Costello

Ceist:

596. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Justice if she will request the Irish Prison Service to carry out a review of all mental health supports available to persons in prison with a view to identifying the areas in which increased resourcing is needed. [17577/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Addressing the mental health challenges of those interacting with the Criminal Justice System is a major challenge and while there are no easy fixes, the Government is determined to make sure that the right help and support is available for those who need it.

As the Deputy may be aware, considerable progress has been made on the Programme for Government commitment to consider the mental health and addiction challenges of those imprisoned, and primary care support on release.

Last April, I, together with the Minister for Health and Ministers of State Frank Feighan and Mary Butler, established a High Level Taskforce to consider the mental health and addiction challenges of persons interacting with the criminal justice system. The Taskforce is independently chaired by former Minister of State Kathleen Lynch.

The Taskforce already had nine plenary meetings and has established three subgroups on diversion, capacity issues in the Prison Service and National Forensic Mental Health Services, and community issues, including care after release.

Each of the subgroups comprises of relevant experts, chaired by high ranking officials from the criminal justice sector, with the health leads represented and contributing to all. Each of these groups have met on at least ten occasions.

The Taskforce has engaged with a large number of relevant bodies and civil society actors, including meeting with the Mental Health Commission on 2 December 2021 and, more recently, with the Chairperson of the National Prison Visiting Committees Chairpersons Group and with the Inspector of Prisons.

The Taskforce has also received presentations from relevant stakeholders including the Mental Health Commission, the Office of the Inspector of Prisons, the Irish Penal Reform Trust and Crowe Consulting on the comprehensive Health Needs Assessment embarked on by the Prison Service.

The Taskforce submitted its interim report to myself and my colleague the Minister for Health on 22 November 2021. I also met the group before Christmas to get an update on their work.

I am advised that the work of the Taskforce is continuing apace with the aim of finalising a report, including a high level implementation plan assigning responsibility and timelines for the implementation of its recommendations, early in Quarter 2.

In addition to the work of the Task Force, this commitment is reflected in the provision of over €2 million in additional funding for the Prison Service to improve mental health services under Budget 2022. This includes just over €1 million for psychologists and specialist mental health nurses in prisons who can work with prisoners to address mental health issues for all categories of offender.

Decisions regarding placement of these additional psychologists are currently being considered and will be based on the mental health needs and overall psychologist-to-prisoner ratio across the estate. To this end, it is intended to recruit additional psychologists throughout 2022.

In addition, I understand that this year, the Prison Service intends to increase the mental health qualifications and skills within the Service's nursing workforce through recruitment, training and development.

The Prison Service continues to work to enhance and improve its level of medical service delivery to prisoners. The Service has embarked on a comprehensive Health Needs Assessment (HNA) to examine the broad range of health care services that are provided across the entire prison estate. This includes the provision of mental health services and the possible recruitment of specialist mental health nurses will be considered in the context of the outcome of the HNA when finalised.

Public Sector Staff

Ceisteanna (597)

Michael Ring

Ceist:

597. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Justice the number of staff who are currently absent from work on full pay due to suspension or workplace disputes in her Department and in agencies and public bodies within her area of responsibility; the number who have been absent from work for up to three, three to six, six to 12 and over 12 months, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17603/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

It has not been possible to collate the information requested in the time allowed. I will respond directly to the Deputy when the information is to hand.

The following deferred reply was received under Standing Order 51
I refer to Parliamentary Question No. 597 to my Department, which was for answer on April 5, 2022, in which you requested the number of staff who are presently absent from work on full pay due to suspension or workplace disputes in my Department and in agencies and public bodies within my area of responsibility; the number who have been absent from work for up to three, three to six, six to twelve and over twelve months in tabular form; and if I will make a statement on the matter.
As you will recall, the information you requested could not be obtained in the time available and I undertook to contact you again. Please find a response to this question for your consideration.
The combined number of staff currently absent from work on full pay due to suspension or workplace disputes in my Department and in the Offices, Agencies and Bodies under my remit, is outlined in the table below.

Staff suspended

Up to 3 months

22

3-6 months

19

6-12 months

15

12+ months

59

Immigration Policy

Ceisteanna (598)

Michael Healy-Rae

Ceist:

598. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Justice the exemptions that are in place for parents with residency in Ireland in relation to re-entering the country with a minor; if the minor is exempt from the need to have a re-entry visa in cases in which the parents who are travelling with a minor have a visa; if so, the length of time for which this measure will be in place; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17664/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I have suspended the re-entry visa programme for minors under the age of 16 years currently residing in Ireland until 31 May 2022.

This is in line with the temporary extension of immigration permissions that I announced in December that permits people who held a valid permission to be in the State in March 2020 to remain until 31 May 2022, even if their Irish Residence Permit (IRP) card has expired and they are awaiting a new one. Renewal is on the same basis as the existing permission and the same conditions will continue to apply.

The suspension of the re-entry programme for minors under 16 years of age provides that any visa required non-EEA national parent with an in-date IRP card may re-enter the State with their dependent Irish resident minor children until 31 May 2022 and can rely on the notice published on my Department's immigration website when travelling, which is available at:

www.irishimmigration.ie/registering-your-immigration-permission/how-to-register-your-immigration-permission-for-the-first-time/application-for-re-entry-visas-for-minors-under-16/

Any person is free to travel from the State regardless of whether their IRP card is in date or is expired. Adult customers who plan to travel abroad after 15 January 2022 and are returning before 31 May 2022 with their Irish resident minor children should apply to renew their immigration permission and receive a new IRP card prior to leaving the State. Otherwise, they must secure a re-entry visa in Ireland before travelling or in an overseas visa office before returning to the State.

International Protection

Ceisteanna (599)

Duncan Smith

Ceist:

599. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Justice the number of persons presenting with a date of birth which would make them under 18 years of age at the time their case was opened who entered the international protection process in 2020 and 2021 respectively but were noted as not being unaccompanied minors; if she will provide a breakdown by nationality; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17675/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Provided that they are are not an Irish citizen, a dependent child under 18 years of age will be deemed to be included in the application of whichever parent presents to the International Protection Office (IPO) of my Department with the child. This presumption applies whether or not the child was present in the State at the time the parent’s application was made.

Therefore, if a parent makes an application for international protection, they will be deemed to have also made an application on behalf of their dependent child who is not an Irish citizen and

- at the time of the making of the application, is present in the State and is under 18 years of age, or

- is born in the State while their parent is an applicant, or

- who is under 18 years of age and enters the State (Ireland) while their parent is an applicant.

If a parent is applying for international protection and has dependent children, they must bring them with them to the IPO Office when applying, or as soon as possible thereafter if a child is born after the parent has made an application for international protection, or if they arrive in the State after their application is made.

The table below provides the number of applications made on behalf of dependent minors in 2020 and 2021 by nationality.

Nationality

2020*

2021*

Afghanistan

10

27

Albania

24

30

Algeria

5

11

Angola

5

5

Armenia

0

5

Bahrain

5

0

Bangladesh

10

17

Bolivia

5

5

Botswana

0

12

Brazil

16

9

Burkina Faso

0

5

Burundi

5

0

Cameroon

5

5

China (Including Hong Kong)

5

5

Congo, The Democratic Republic Of The

17

10

Egypt

5

0

El Salvador

5

9

Eritrea

0

5

Ethiopia

0

7

Georgia

15

46

Ghana

5

5

Guatemala

5

0

Guinea

5

5

India

5

6

Iraq

0

8

Israel

0

5

Jordan

5

5

Kenya

5

5

Korea, Republic Of (South Korea)

5

0

Kosovo / UNSCR 1244

5

5

Kuwait

0

5

Lebanon

5

0

Lesotho

5

5

Libyan Arab Jamahiriya

5

5

Malawi

8

5

Mauritius

5

5

Mongolia

0

5

Morocco

5

5

Nepal

0

5

Nicaragua

5

6

Nigeria

66

181

Pakistan

15

16

Palestinian Territory, Occupied

5

5

Philippines

5

0

Russian Federation

5

0

Sierra Leone

5

5

Somalia

12

27

South Africa

28

39

Sudan

5

5

Swaziland

5

5

Syrian Arab Republic

12

16

Togo

5

5

Turkey

0

5

Uganda

0

5

Ukraine

0

5

United States Of America

5

5

Venezuela

5

5

Viet Nam

5

5

Yemen

0

5

Zambia

0

5

Zimbabwe

24

60

Total

330

616

*Where the number of applications for individual countries is low (less than 6), a breakdown by country is not provided. This is for reasons of confidentiality, as provided for under Section 26 of the International Protection Act 2015.

An Garda Síochána

Ceisteanna (600)

Catherine Murphy

Ceist:

600. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Justice if a new contract for the provision of new Garda roads policing motorcycles will be put out to tender during quarter 2 of 2022. [17717/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As the Deputy will be aware, under Section 26 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of Garda business. This includes all operational policing decisions regarding needs of the Garda fleet. As Minister, I have no role in these matters.

Budget 2022 provides €12m for investment in the Garda fleet, which means more high visibility policing in our towns and cities. This continuing investment is intended to ensure that An Garda Síochána has a modern, effective and fit-for-purpose fleet and that Gardaí can be mobile, visible and responsive on the roads and in the community to prevent and tackle crime.

I am advised by the Garda authorities that Garda vehicles are purchased under contracts tendered by the Office of Government Procurement, including cars, vans, motorcycles and 4x4’s etc. An Garda Síochána are utilising a current contract in place for 2022 for procurement of vehicles and there is no requirement for a tender to be issued for Garda roads policing motorcycles during 2022.

For the Deputy's information, in the interest of transparency An Garda Síochána publish monthly reports detailing the breakdown of the Garda fleet by vehicle type and District. These reports can be viewed at the following link:

www.garda.ie/en/about-us/our-departments/finance-services/finance-fleet-management.html

Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based Violence

Ceisteanna (601)

Catherine Murphy

Ceist:

601. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Justice the number of cases that the Kildare Protective Services Unit has dealt with in 2021 and to date in 2022, in tabular form. [17718/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I would like to assure the Deputy that both Commissioner Harris and I are committed to combatting all forms of domestic, sexual and gender-based violence and to ensuring that An Garda Síochána is resourced to provide support to victims of this terrible crime.

As I am sure the Deputy is aware, the national roll out of Divisional Protective Service Units (DPSUs) was an action under Supporting a Victim's Journey, and it has now been completed. The Kildare DPSU referenced by the Deputy commenced operations in September 2020. There is now a Divisional Protective Services Unit (DPSU) established in every Garda division across the country. This ensures that vulnerable victims of crimes, such as domestic abuse and sexual violence, presenting to Gardaí are met with a consistently high standard of specialist, sensitive, professional and expert assistance. This specialisation ensures that when victims of domestic and sexual violence present to Gardaí, at perhaps their most vulnerable moment, they are met with professional and expert assistance. Under Budget 2022, an additional €1m is being provided to AGS to refurbish and upgrade the Divisional Protective Service Units. This commitment will allow us to better support and protect vulnerable victims.

In addition, the Divisional Victim Service Offices (DVSO) and front line Gardaí are also resources available to respond to domestic violence and support victims.

I was recently in contact with the Garda authorities to seek information on matters related to domestic violence training for the Service, both for those officers attached to DPSUs and to members generally. I thought it might also be useful to share that information in this reply as I know this is an area the Deputy is deeply invested in.

I am informed that significant investment in training for addressing instances of domestic violence and supporting victims has, and is, being made. I am advised that in 2021, An Garda Síochána devised mandatory online training for its personnel in the area of Domestic Abuse. This is a comprehensive training package consisting of instructor led videos presented by subject matter experts from the Garda National Protective Services Bureau (GNPSB). It also includes periodic knowledge checks and supporting materials. Furthermore, live webinar virtual classroom sessions in relation to the Domestic Abuse Risk Evaluation Training is currently being rolled out to Garda personnel on a phased basis, hosted by subject matter experts from GNPSB. A separate online course, which consists of instructor led demonstration videos on the correct use of PULSE in dealing with Domestic Violence Orders has also been launched. In addition, new content has been included on the Foundation Training Programme with a view to enhancing the learning for Garda Probationers during the course of their training.While those assigned to the DPSU already receive specialist training, a review of this is currently underway and with a view to redeveloping the DPSU training to ensure an even more customised, fit-for-purpose and victim-centric training course is delivered to all DPSU members from Detective Garda to Detective Inspector. To this end GNPSB have completed a nationwide canvass with a view to determining training needs and it has been established that there are 392 members of Garda, Sergeant and Inspector rank attached to Divisional Protective Services Units nationwide. Training was delivered in 5 individual modules titled as follows:1. Sexual Crime;2. Online Child Exploitation;3. Domestic Abuse;4. Human Trafficking and Victims;5. Court Process. The initial position in respect of the DPSU training requirement, is that anyone who has not completed all five modules of this training will be required to undertake the new training programme that will be ready for delivery by Q2, 2022. The proposed training programme is expected to enhance the skills of DPSU members, to ensure that each one can carry out the full range of specialist tasks frequently necessitated within their roles.

On foot of the Deputy's question, I contacted An Garda Síochána to seek the specific information sought on the number of cases that the Kildare Protective Services Unit has dealt with in 2021 and to date in 2022. That information is presented in the table below:

Type

Jan to Dec. 2021 (12 month period)

Jan 2022 to 30 March 2022 (3 month period to present)

DPSU Investigation

171

45

Total

171

45

An Garda Síochána

Ceisteanna (602)

Catherine Murphy

Ceist:

602. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Justice the number of full-time forensic speech analysts employed by An Garda Síochána. [17719/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I have sought the information requested by the Deputy from the Garda authorities, however, the information was not available in time. I will write to the Deputy once the information is to hand.

The following deferred reply was received under Standing Order 51
I refer to your Parliamentary Question (No. 602 of 5 April 2022) where you sought: “The number of full-time forensic speech analysts employed by An Garda Síochána.”.
As you will recall, I sought the information you requested from the Garda authorities and undertook to contact you again once the information was to hand.
As you will be aware, in accordance with the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), it is the Garda Commissioner who has responsibility to carry on and manage and control generally the administration and business of An Garda Síochána, including by arranging for the recruitment, training and appointment of its members and civilian staff. As Minister, I have no direct role in these matters.
I am informed by An Garda Síochána that the organisation does not employ forensic speech analysts but engages appropriate external expertise and services as required.
I hope that this information is of assistance.

An Garda Síochána

Ceisteanna (603)

Catherine Murphy

Ceist:

603. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Justice if all Garda members attached to community policing units have been issued with state-of-the-art frontline mobile devices. [17720/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As the Deputy will be aware, the Garda Commissioner is responsible by law for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána, which includes the allocation and distribution of resources. As Minister, I have no role in the matter.

I am advised by the Garda authorities that a total of 4875 mobility devices have been issued to frontline personnel in An Garda Síochána, with 550 devices issued directly by the National Community Engagement Bureau to community policing members.

I am informed that the mobility devices have been rolled out nationally to community policing personnel as well as roads policing, Juvenile Liaison Officers and Family Liaison Officers. I am advised that the Garda Mobility Programme is continuing across the organisation with the ultimate aim to provide all frontline members with mobility devices. The planned delivery of the Mobility Programme will continue throughout 2022.

An Garda Síochána

Ceisteanna (604)

Catherine Murphy

Ceist:

604. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Justice the capital funding allocated to the Garda small capital works budget in 2020, 2021 and 2022, in tabular form. [17721/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

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

The resources provided by the Government to An Garda Síochána have reached unprecedented levels, with an allocation of over €2 billion in Budget 2022 in funding. 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. This is a significant increase on the €116.5 million provided last year.

The Garda Building and Refurbishment Programme 2016-2021 is addressing deficiencies in the Garda estate and providing fit-for-purpose facilities for Garda members and staff as well as the public interacting with them. The programme is based on agreed Garda priorities and includes substantial works at over 30 locations nationwide as well as other works such as cell refurbishment at over 100 locations.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that the Capital Refurbishment Subhead in the Garda Vote refers to Small Capital Projects with a value between €75,000 to €2,500,000. These projects are works to Garda Stations and premises across the Estate. The works are managed by the Office of Public Works (OPW), which has responsibility for the provision and maintenance of Garda accommodation, and funded by An Garda Síochána.

I am advised by An Garda Síochána that the table below shows the Capital Refurbishment expenditure for 2020 and 2021, and the budget for 2022.

-

2020Actual Expenditure

2021Actual Expenditure

2022Budget

€’000

€’000

€’000

Capital Refurbishment

9,461

10,921

11,000

A new Garda Building and Refurbishment programme 2022-2030 is currently being developed by An Garda Síochána in conjunction with OPW and officials from my Department.

Mental Health Policy

Ceisteanna (605)

Patrick Costello

Ceist:

605. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Justice further to Parliamentary Question No. 1319 of 19 January 2022, if she will provide an update specifically on the establishment of the task force which she had expected in early 2022. [17794/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Addressing the mental health challenges of those interacting with the criminal justice system is a major challenge and while there are no easy fixes, this Government is determined to make sure that the right help and support is available for those that need it.

As the Deputy may be aware, considerable progress has been made on the Programme for Government commitment to consider the mental health and addiction challenges of those imprisoned, and primary care support on release.

Last April, together with with the Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly and Ministers of State Frank Feighan and Mary Butler, I established a High Level Taskforce to consider the mental health and addiction challenges of persons interacting with the criminal justice system. The Taskforce is independently chaired by former Minister of State Kathleen Lynch.

The Taskforce already had nine plenary meetings and has established three subgroups on diversion, capacity issues in the Prison Service and National Forensic Mental Health Services, and community issues, including care after release.

Each of the subgroups comprises of relevant experts, chaired by high ranking officials from the criminal justice sector, with the health leads represented and contributing to all. Each of these groups have met on at least ten occasions.

The Taskforce has engaged with a large number of relevant bodies and civil society actors, including meeting with the Mental Health Commission on 2 December 2021 and, more recently, met with the Chairperson of the National Prison Visiting Committees Chairpersons Group and with the Inspector of Prisons.

The Taskforce has also received presentations from relevant stakeholders including the Mental Health Commission, the Office of the Inspector of Prisons, the Irish Penal Reform Trust and Crowe Consulting on the comprehensive Health Needs Assessment embarked on by the Prison Service.

The Taskforce submitted its interim report to myself and my colleague the Minister for Health on 22 November 2021. I also met the group before Christmas to get an update on their work.

I am advised that the work of the Taskforce is continuing apace and the aim is to finalise a report, including a high level implementation plan assigning responsibility and timelines for its recommendations, in early Quarter 2.

An Garda Síochána

Ceisteanna (606)

Duncan Smith

Ceist:

606. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Justice if extra resources have been provided to the Garda vetting unit of An Garda Síochána in 2022; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17902/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I have sought the information requested by the Deputy from the Garda authorities, however, the information was not available in time. I will write to the Deputy once the information is to hand.

The following deferred reply was received under Standing Order 51
I refer to Parliamentary Questions No. 606 and 607 of 5 April 2022 where you asked:
‘if extra resources have been provided to the Garda vetting unit of An Garda Síochána in 2022’
‘the current turnaround time for an average Garda vetting application’
As you will recall, I sought the information you requested from the Garda authorities 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, which includes the allocation of resources. In addition, vetting applications are an operational matter for the Garda National Vetting Bureau (GNVB). As Minister, I have no role in the matter.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that all Garda National Vetting Bureau (GNVB) staff have continued to work on-site over the course of the Covid-19 pandemic, working on a 7-day-week roster to ensure that delivery of this essential pubic service has been maintained.
Throughout this period, the GNVB has focused on ensuring that minimum disruption was caused to the vetting process for the 26,600 relevant organisations working with children and vulnerable persons across Ireland, despite the huge demands placed on the services of the GNVB.
The GNVB processes hundreds of thousands of vetting requests every year, with a projected number in 2022 of over half a million vetting requests as the economy and voluntary services continue to re-open. I am advised that 140,779 vetting requests were received in Q1 2022, an increase of 21% compared to pre-Covid Q1 2020, and an increase of 58% over Q1 2021 when vetting requests were down due to the pandemic.
This has resulted in an unusually high number of vetting applications to be in the system at the same time and with other pressing demands has extended the standard turnaround time from 5 working days to approximately 6 working days for most applications.
The GNVB has previously communicated with all of the relevant organisations to advise them of the current turnaround times and to assure them that the GNVB continues to process their vetting applications as expeditiously as possible.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that the GNVB continuously assesses current and upcoming vacancies and liaises closely with Garda Human Resources on backfilling any vacancies which arise from transfers, promotions and retirements.
I am advised that there are 152 Garda staff and 8 Garda members working in the GNVB as of 5 April 2022. The breakdown of staff is as follows;
152 Garda staff (143.6 whole time equivalent)
- 1 Service Officer
- 1 Higher Executive Officer
- 21 Executive Officers (19.2 whole time equivalent)
- 129 Clerical Officers (122.4 whole time equivalent)
8 Garda members
- 1 Superintendent
- 7 Sergeants
I am advised that the GNVB has applied for 13 Temporary Clerical Officers to augment processing in 2022 and has to date received an allocation of 5 Temporary Clerical Officers. I am further advised that as part of a new Garda Vetting Strategy, the GNVB will be preparing Business Cases to further increase its capacity over the next 12 months.
I trust this information is of assistance.

An Garda Síochána

Ceisteanna (607)

Duncan Smith

Ceist:

607. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Justice the current turnaround time for an average Garda vetting application; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17903/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I have sought the information requested by the Deputy from the Garda authorities, however, the information was not available in time. I will write to the Deputy once the information is to hand.

Naturalisation Applications

Ceisteanna (608)

Michael Fitzmaurice

Ceist:

608. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Justice when an application for permission to remain in the State by a person (details supplied) will be processed given that the application was submitted in July 2020; the reason for the delay; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17956/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The application for naturalisation from the person referred to by the Deputy, continues to be 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 in due course. My officials have recently written to the applicant advising them of the current status of their application.

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.

In addition, the combined impact of the 2019 High Court judgment in the Jones case and the necessary health restrictions arising from the pandemic, has unfortunately resulted in the processing time for standard applications increasing.

However, 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.

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.

Prison Service

Ceisteanna (609, 610, 631)

Catherine Murphy

Ceist:

609. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Justice if she will publish the Inspector of Prisons' Report into the Dóchas Centre. [17962/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Catherine Murphy

Ceist:

610. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Justice the number of reports by the Inspector of Prisons that relate to the Dóchas Centre that have not been published to date; and if she will provide the rationale for not publishing same. [17963/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Éamon Ó Cuív

Ceist:

631. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Justice if she intends to publish the report of the Chief Inspector of Prisons on the Dóchas Centre submitted to her on 15 February 2022 and carried out under section 3(2) of the Prisons Act ; the reason for the delay in publishing the report; the actions she intends taking on foot of the receipt of the report; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18348/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 609, 610 and 631 together.

The Office of the Inspector of Prisons was established under the Prisons Act 2007 and is independent in how it carries out its functions. The Inspector's key role is to carry out regular inspections of prisons.

There are currently 3 reports submitted to me by the Inspector of Prisons which relate to Mountjoy Women’s Prison (Dóchas Centre) and which have not yet been published.

The Inspector of Prisons' three day monitoring report of the Dóchas Centre was received in my office in August 2020.

The Inspector was also asked to carry out an investigation into matters arising in the Dóchas Centre, under section 31(2) of the Prisons Act. As the Deputy will be aware it was always my intention to consider both of these reports together.

The Inspector submitted the section 31(2) investigation report to me on the 15 February 2022 and it is currently being examined by my officials. Based on legal advice received by my Department, it is not proposed to publish this report at this time.

In addition, as the Deputy will be aware, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and the need to monitor the situation within prisons for prisoners and staff, the Inspector suspended her 2021 general inspection programme and instead embarked on a COVID-19 focused inspection schedule, designed to provide a human rights-based assessment of the response of the Irish Prison Service to the pandemic. Eight of these reports were published during 2021. The final set of the thematic reports dealing with the following prisons: Loughan House Open Centre; Midlands; Castlerea; and Mountjoy Women’s (Dóchas Centre), have been submitted to my Department and will be published shortly.

Question No. 610 answered with Question No. 609.
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