Written Answers Nos. 611-633
611. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Justice if the Inspector of Prisons has highlighted any issues of concern regarding the Irish Prison Service or officials in her Department into their ability to carry their function in respect of their reporting. [17964/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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.
As the Deputy may be aware, Section 31 of the Prisons Act 2007 provides that the Inspector of Prisons can at any time enter any prison or any part of a prison, request and obtain from the Governor a copy of any books, records, other documents kept in the prison.
Governors, prison officers, other persons employed in prisons and prisoners are required by law, in as far as reasonably practicable, to comply with any request for information from the Inspector as they perform their functions.
The Prison Service actively encourages prisoners at all times to engage with the independent bodies making inspections of prisons including the Inspector of Prison, the Prison Visiting Committees and the Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhumane Treatment. To assist prisoners in this regard, the Prison Service provides prisoners with information on these bodies via the Prisoner Information Booklet.
In 2021, in response to the pandemic, and the need to monitor the situation within prisons for prisoners and staff, the Inspector of Prisons suspended her planned 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 Prison Service to the pandemic. Throughout the pandemic the Prison Service continued to facilitate access to prisons and prisoners for those organisations with a statutory role such as the Office of the Inspector of Prisons to ensure continued oversight during the pandemic.
In general terms, in instances where, following an inspection, issues are raised by the Inspector, these are considered by the Prison Service and the corresponding responses from the Prison Service are set out in the Inspector's reports or associated documentation upon publication.
As the Deputy will appreciate, I am keen to ensure the Inspector of Prisons is adequately resourced and to this end, there was an increase in the 2021 budget for the Inspector of Prisons of just over €0.75m, bringing the total 2021 allocation to €1.954m and this has been further increased in the 2022 Budget where the Inspector’s resources increased by a further €0.4m bringing the total allocation to €2.35m.
I can further advise the Deputy that upon her retirement in February the then Inspector of Prisons wrote to me to formally tender her resignation and to outline challenges she faced in carrying out her duties during her tenure. I intend to engage further with the new Inspector upon appointment on these matters, and with the Prison Service itself, in the context of ongoing work to develop the independent prisons oversight and inspection function.
612. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Justice the number of international protection applicants awaiting the issuance of a temporary residence certificate in card form and not the paper document; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17996/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra613. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Justice the number of persons awaiting a preliminary interview further to section 13 of the International Protection Act 2015; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17997/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 612 and 613 together.
The overall objective of my Department is to have recommendations made on international protection applications as soon as possible. This ensures that those who are found to be in need of protection from the State can receive it quickly and begin rebuilding their lives here with a sense of safety and security.
For the sake of clarity, I should firstly explain that anyone who wishes to make an application for international protection must proactively do so on their own behalf and on behalf of any of their minor family members. If they apply initially at their port of entry to the State they will still need to make a formal application at the Dublin offices of the International Protection Office (IPO) of my Department. There is no need to make an appointment. Everyone completes their preliminary interview under Section 13 of the International Protection Act 2015 on the day they first attend the IPO offices. Therefore, there are no applicants waiting for a preliminary interview.Applicants will generally receive the Temporary Residence Certificate on the same day they complete their application if there is no language barrier and if the number of applications the IPO received on that given day is not excessively high.
If an interpreter is required to assist them or for other reasons beyond the control of the IPO, the applicant may need to be called back to complete their application. The call back appointment is usually arranged quickly, unless there is a difficulty with sourcing an interpreter for the required language.
In recent months, the number of people claiming international protection has increased significantly with approximately 1,041 new applications received in the month of March alone. This has unfortunately impacted the IPO’s ability to complete an application and issue TRC cards on the same day to applicants. There are currently approximately 1,200 applicants who need to return to complete their applications.
The IPO is identifying what practical efficiencies can be made to the process and is putting in place measures to ensure that the normal service is resumed as quickly as possible for the benefit of applicants.
614. Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Justice the way that information on the different vocations of Ukrainian citizens arriving in Ireland will be collated and made available to various sectors that wish to help in fast-tracking mutual qualification recognition; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18074/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can advise the Deputy that, as Minister for Justice, I do not have responsibility for the issue of mutual qualification recognition. The Deputy may wish to raise this matter directly with the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Science and Innovation.
There is a coordinated whole-of-Government response to support people arriving in Ireland who have fled the violence in Ukraine. Government Departments and services are working together to implement Ireland's commitments under the EU Temporary Protection Directive (2001/55/EC), which has been activated for the first time to grant temporary protection to displaced persons from Ukraine. The Directive has 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.
My Department is primarily responsible for issuing temporary protection documents to those who are eligible. As of 4 April 2022, more than 18,600 people that have arrived in Ireland and my Department has issued more than 15,600 temporary protection permission letters.
Beneficiaries are being provided with their permission letter on arrival at Dublin Airport in the 'one-stop-shop' established by my Department for that purpose, to ensure early access to all necessary supports. Arrangements have also 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.
I can assure the Deputy that my Government colleagues and I will continue to work with our EU counterparts on any further EU-wide measures that might be needed to assist those fleeing Ukraine.
615. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Justice if matters raised in correspondence by a person (details supplied) will be examined. [18111/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraA stamp 1 immigration permission is granted to a non-EEA national based on their employment permit having first been granted by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (DETE). Their immigration permission is therefore linked to their employment permit.
Any non-EEA national with an employment permit, who has ceased to be in employment, for any reason, must advise the Employment Permits Unit of DETE and Unit 2, Domestic Residence and Permissions Division in my Department of the change in their circumstances.
The person concerned can write to my Department by post or email at the contact details below to request the permission letter. Upon examination of the request, my Department will, if necessary, issue a temporary permission to remain in the State, which would allow the person concerned to seek a further employment permit. However, they will not be able to start a new employment without first having been issued with an updated work permit from DETE.
Email: Unit2ResidenceDivision@justice.ie
Postal Address:
Residence Unit 2Immigration Service DeliveryDepartment of Justice13-14 Burgh QuayDublin 2 D02 XK70Ireland
Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to my Department by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility at INISOireachtasMail@justice.ie, which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Question process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in the cases where the response is, in the Deputy's view, inadequate or too long awaited.
616. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Justice if matters raised in correspondence by a person (details supplied) will be examined. [18112/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraA Stamp 3 immigration permission allows the holder to stay in Ireland for a specified period, subject to conditions, and is reckonable as residence when applying for citizenship by naturalisation. It is renewable, subject to the conditions for the permission being met, one of which is that the holder cannot work or engage in any business, trade or profession.
In order for a non-EEA national on a Stamp 3 immigration permission to be allowed to work in the State they must apply for and be granted an employment permit by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (DETE). A prospective employer must first obtain an employment permit in respect of them.
Should they be successful in securing the appropriate employment permit from DETE, they will then be able to register on a Stamp 1 immigration permission with their local registration office.
Further information relating to employment permits can be found at: www.enterprise.gov.ie.
It may also be open to the person concerned to request a change to their immigration status. Further information can be found on my Department's immigration website at: www.irishimmigration.ie/my-situation-has-changed-since-i-arrived-in-ireland/.
617. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice if she will provide an update on visa applications by persons (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18139/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe applicants referred to by the Deputy created an on-line Short Stay Visit visa application on 24 January 2022. The supporting documentation and fee waivers were received on 26 January 2021 in the Ankara Visa Office where the application is currently awaiting comprehensive examination.
The current processing time for applications of this type received in the Ankara Visa Office is 16 weeks. Applicants can keep up-to-date with processing times by checking the following webpage; which is updated weekly: www.dfa.ie/irish-embassy/turkey/visas/visas-for-ireland-weekly-decisions-report/.
It is open to the applicants to request the return of their passports while they are awaiting a decision on the processing of their visa applications.
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.
618. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Justice the current policy with respect to remote working options for staff in her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18170/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy may be aware that a central policy framework for Blended Working in the Civil Service has recently been finalised in conjunction with employee representatives, and published on Thursday 31 March.
This framework will inform the development of organisation level blended working policies tailored to the specific requirements of each Department/Office, whilst ensuring a consistency of approach across key policy areas.
The Blended Working Framework sets out a number of core principles to apply to blended working across the Civil Service. Key to all this is the duty of Departments to deliver a quality service to Government, the Oireachtas and the public with flexibility and agility. There is recognition also of a need to create opportunities for people to balance their working and personal lives more effectively where possible.
My Department has commenced work on developing its own blended working policy and arrangements, which take into account our specific business needs and requirements, while remaining grounded in the Civil Service Framework. Blended working implementation and arrangements are expected to commence by end June 2022.
619. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Justice if there is provision to allow persons (details supplied) to travel to Ireland; and if not, if advice will be provided in relation to the case. [18189/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe EU Temporary Protection Directive has been activated in response to the Ukraine crisis. Ireland participates in this measure, which has been given legal effect under Section 60 of the International Protection Act 2015.
Those eligible for Temporary Protection (granted initially for one year on a renewable basis) will have immediate access to the labour market, social welfare, accommodation and other State supports as necessary.
Under the Council Implementing Decision (EU 2022/382), those who have fled Ukraine can avail of a temporary protection to reside in Ireland if they meet one of the following criteria:
a) They are a Ukrainian national who was residing in Ukraine before 24 February 2022;
b) They are a national of a third country (other than Ukraine) or a stateless person who would have benefited from international protection (for example: Refugee status) or an equivalent national protection status in Ukraine and were residing there before 24 February 2022;
c) They are a family member of persons covered by a) and b), where their family already existed in Ukraine, prior to 24 February.
Family members include a spouse or partner, unmarried minor children of either of them, and their other close dependent family relatives who have been living with them as part of the family unit.
Temporary protection also applies to people who were residing in Ukraine before 24 February 2022 with a permanent Ukrainian residence permit, who cannot safely return to their country of origin.
Assistance will also be provided to people who were legally residing in Ukraine without a permanent residence permit to return to their home country, if it is safe for them to do so.
As the Deputy may be aware, on 25 February I announced the immediate lifting of visa requirements for Ukrainian citizens travelling to Ireland. However, people who are from a country that is visa-required, such as Nigeria, will still need to apply for a visa to travel to the State. Anyone who wishes to make a visa application must do so online at: www.visas.inis.gov.ie/avats/OnlineHome.aspx.
620. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Justice if a person (details supplied) can reunite with their family who live in Dublin 15; and if not, if advice will be provided in relation to the case. [18190/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe EU Temporary Protection Directive has been activated in response to the Ukraine crisis. Ireland participates in this measure, which has been given legal effect under Section 60 of the International Protection Act 2015.
Those eligible for Temporary Protection (granted initially for one year on a renewable basis) will have immediate access to the labour market, social welfare, accommodation and other State supports as necessary.
Under the Council Implementing Decision (EU 2022/382), those who have fled Ukraine can avail of a temporary protection to reside in Ireland if they meet one of the following criteria:
a) They are a Ukrainian national who was residing in Ukraine before 24 February 2022;
b) They are a national of a third country (other than Ukraine) or a stateless person who would have benefited from international protection (for example: Refugee status) or an equivalent national protection status in Ukraine and were residing there before 24 February 2022;
c) They are a family member of persons covered by a) and b), where their family already existed in Ukraine, prior to 24 February.
Family members include a spouse or partner, unmarried minor children of either of them, and their other close dependent family relatives who have been living with them as part of the family unit.
Temporary protection also applies to people who were residing in Ukraine before 24 February 2022 with a permanent Ukrainian residence permit, who cannot safely return to their country of origin.
As the Deputy may be aware, on 25 February I announced the immediate lifting of visa requirements for Ukrainian citizens travelling to Ireland. However, people who are from a country that is visa-required, such as Nigeria, will still need to apply for a visa to travel to the State.
Anyone who wishes to make a visa application must do so online at: www.visas.inis.gov.ie/avats/OnlineHome.aspx.
621. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice if consideration will be given to compiling and making publicly available online victim impact statements delivered by victims and their families after convictions in the Circuit Court and Central Criminal Court; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18204/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the provisions of the Courts Service Act 1998, management of the courts is the responsibility of the Courts Service, which is independent in exercising its functions. This includes the provision of information on the courts system.
As the Deputy may be aware, Section 5 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1993 allows for a victim impact statement (VIS) as part of Court proceedings to assist the Court to determine the sentence to impose. These statements form part of the Court record and it would be a matter for the Court to direct if such statements should be published.
While there are currently no plans to amend the legislation in this area, I can assure the Deputy that our legislation is continually kept under review and I will consider any changes necessary to ensure it remains effective, proportionate and fully compliant with due process and the Constitution.
622. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Justice when a decision will be made in relation to an application for a visa in respect of a person (details supplied); the reason for the delay in making a decision on this application; if her attention has been drawn to the need for the processing of this visa application to be finalised given the applicant has secured an atypical working employment permit and is required to take up employment urgently; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18228/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am pleased to inform the Deputy that the application for the person referred to was granted on 29 March 2022. The Visa Sticker was issued on 30 March 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 (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.
623. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Justice if she will investigate the request for asylum for Belarussian citizens (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18256/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can advise the Deputy that in accordance with the provisions of the International Protection Act 2015, applications for international protection cannot be made from outside the State.
The International Protection Office of my Department is responsible for examining all international protection applications received from persons in the State. Each application is assessed individually on its merits. The circumstances of each case is assessed having regard to both the subjective elements (the applicant’s own account or personal history) and objective elements (up-to-date information on the applicant’s country or place of origin).
As the Deputy may be aware, on 25 February I announced the immediate lifting of visa requirements for Ukrainian citizens travelling to Ireland. However, people who are from a country that is visa-required, such as Belarus, will still need to apply for a visa to travel to the State. Anyone who wishes to make a visa application must do so online at: www.visas.inis.gov.ie/avats/OnlineHome.aspx.
624. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Justice if she has been informed by the Garda Commissioner in accordance with section 41 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005 regarding a letter sent to them by a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18279/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can confirm to the Deputy that, in relation to the matter raised, I have not received any correspondence from the Garda Commissioner under Section 41 of the Act.
626. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Justice the number of overseas students who are on a stamp 2 visa currently in Ireland; if consideration has been given to making these visas more flexible to enable students to work for more than 20 hours per week outside the Christmas and June to September periods given that many of these students are struggling to pay rent and many of their employers are struggling to secure sufficient staff; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18295/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere are currently 33,230 non-EEA students registered with an active Stamp 2 permission in the State.
My Department has responsibility for immigration-related matters, including the entry and residence conditions of non-EEA students, who are granted a Stamp 2 immigration permission, and continually consults and engages with the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment and the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, among other key sectoral stakeholders, in this area.
A student's primary purpose for being in the State is to study. All applicants for permission to study in Ireland must show that they have sufficient funds to support their stay in Ireland without recourse to public funds, or the reliance on casual employment.
However, since April 2001, non-EEA students with an immigration Stamp 2 permission, and who are enrolled on courses with education providers listed on the Interim List of Eligible Programmes (ILEP) including English language courses, have been afforded the opportunity to work.
This allows them to take up casual employment to supplement their income while studying in Ireland. During term time, non-EEA students can work up to 20 hours per week and during normal college holiday periods they can work on a full time basis up to 40 hours per week.
The conditions attaching to all immigration permissions are kept under ongoing review by my Department with all relevant stakeholders. Any changes to the work entitlements of non-EEA students would be a policy decision for the wider stakeholder group.
627. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice the correct procedure to be followed by a person (details supplied) to secure long-term residency who has been in Ireland for 12 years; when they will be eligible to apply for citizenship; the body or organisation which currently updates their status every couple of months at a costly amount; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18312/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe person referred to by the Deputy lodged a review application in respect of their EU Treaty Rights application decision on 2 August 2017. This application was examined in detail and a decision was made to uphold the decision to refuse their EU Treaty Rights application on 3 March 2021. The reasons for the refusal are outlined in the refusal letter.
The person concerned is currently in permission, on Stamp 1 conditions, (without the requirement to obtain an employment permit), for a period of six months until 20 May 2022. This person's case will be examined in advance of the expiry date of that permission by the Repatriation Division of my Department, to see if it falls within the parameters of the European Court of Justice (ECJ) ruling in the Chenchooliah case.
As the Deputy may be aware, the ECJ's ruling in that case requires a new process to be developed in this State to deal with the cases of third country nationals who may have been deemed to come within the scope of the EU Free Movement Directive but for whom the circumstances which allowed them to remain in the State no longer apply. The required process is still being developed and will be finalised in the coming months.
The person can contact the Repatriation Division of my Department in advance of the expiry date of their current permission directly at: repatadmin@justice.ie.
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.
628. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Justice the position regarding a visa application by a person (details supplied) in County Cork;; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18323/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra629. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Justice the position regarding a visa application by a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18324/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 628 and 629 together.
The applicants referred to by the Deputy created on-line Join Family (non-EEA national) visa applications on 10 June 2021. The supporting documentation and relevant fees were received on 2 July 2021 in the Ankara Visa Office where they are currently awaiting comprehensive examination. The applicants will be notified in writing as soon as a decision has been reached.
Processing of family reunification visa applications, such as these, may take up to 12 months to determine from date the documentation is received in the relevant Visa Office. The Visa Office endeavours to have applications of this nature processed earlier than this, however, this is not always possible. In order to be fair to all applicants, applications are processed in order by date received. 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.
630. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Justice the total number of fines issued for cars parking illegally on footpaths in Mullingar and Athlone, County Westmeath in each of the past three months; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18341/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, the Garda Commissioner is responsible by law for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána, which includes operational policing matters such as the issuing of fines. As Minister, I have no responsibility for these matters.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that it is not possible to provide a response as the number of fines issued for cars parking illegally on footpaths in Mullingar and Athlone, County Westmeath, in each of the past three months is fewer than 10.
632. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Justice if she will provide a breakdown of funding awarded to local authorities, communities and groups under the CCTV community grant scheme; the amount awarded to each successful applicant in each year since 2020; if a review on the eligibility criteria of this scheme was carried out; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18371/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraSince 2017, my Department has administered a grant aid scheme supporting groups wishing to establish a community-based CCTV system in their area. Eligible groups, including community groups and local authorities nationwide, can apply for grant aid of up to 60% of the total capital cost of a proposed CCTV system, up to a maximum total of €40,000.
The CCTV grant scheme was extended in 2019 to cover not only new CCTV systems but to also provide funding for the extension or upgrade of existing CCTV systems which are incomplete or obsolete. Applicants may now also seek a once-off grant of up to €5,000 for minor maintenance costs. Support and assistance for those running CCTV schemes is available by contacting: fundsadmin-comm-based-cctv@justice.ie.
Community-based CCTV is 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.
To date, 35 schemes have been approved for funding to a total of €948,649.16. Since 2020, 12 schemes have been approved to a value of €192,021.32.
The breakdown of the amount awarded to each successful applicant since 2020 is as follows.
|
Local Authority |
Area |
Grant Amount Approved |
Date |
|
Monaghan CoCo |
Monaghan Town |
€25,000.00 |
30 June 2020 |
|
Laois CoCo |
Woodenbridge |
€9,020.00 |
14 January 2020 |
|
Louth CoCo |
Rathmullen |
€19,758.35 |
01 May 2020 |
|
Louth CoCo |
Moneymore |
€19,758.35 |
01 May 2020 |
|
Laois CoCo |
Borris in Ossory |
€10,107.62 |
12 March 2020 |
|
Kilkenny CoCo |
Urlingford |
€15,500.00 |
04 September 2020 |
|
Kerry CoCo |
Killarney Outer |
€15,627.00 |
02 February 2021 |
|
Kerry CoCo |
Killarney Town Centre |
€20,100.00 |
02 February 2021 |
|
Kerry CoCo |
Ballyspillane |
€12,150.00 |
02 February 2021 |
|
Longford CoCo |
Longford Town |
€20,000.00 |
06 April 2021 |
|
Wicklow CoCo |
Blessington Town Centre |
€20,000.00 |
28 April 2021 |
|
Carlow CoCo |
Develop Tullow |
€5,000.00 |
13 August 2021 |
The Deputy may be aware that the Data Protection Commission have carried out an in-depth, independent review of community CCTV schemes. My Department is incorporating amendments into the Garda Síochána (Digital Recordings) Bill to address these findings.
The General Scheme of the Garda Síochána (Digital Recording) Bill 2021 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. The General Scheme was also submitted to the Oireachtas Committee on Justice for pre-legislative scrutiny. The Committee’s report was received in December 2021 and is currently being examined by my officials. It is my intention to publish the Bill in May 2022 and to complete its passage through the Oireachtas later this year.
This Bill will provide statutory underpinning for Garda overt recording, which will include CCTV authorised in local communities by the Garda Commissioner. It is planned to have a further review of the terms and conditions of the current scheme to bring it into line with the proposals in this new legislation and in keeping with the commitment in the Programme for Government. It is expected the Bill will be enacted in 2022.
633. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Justice the total number of persons employed as youth justice workers in Garda youth diversion projects in Ireland in tabular form by county and or appropriate geographical area. [18391/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, Youth Diversion Projects (YDPs) are community based organisations that operate as a vital support to the statutory Garda Youth Diversion Programme. There are currently 105 YDPs across the State, which are funded through my Department.
Under the Youth Justice Strategy 2021-27, the intention is to further develop this service so that it is available to every child in the State who could benefit from it, through an ongoing expansion of existing services and the foundation of new projects where necessary.
The Strategy commits to the broadening and deepening of services provided by YDPs and acknowledges the importance of Early Intervention and Family Support programmes for children at risk, as well as access to appropriate Education, Training and Youth Services.
Budget 2022 includes an additional allocation of €6.7 million for Youth Justice services, which includes provision for the broadening of YDP services.
The attached table provides a breakdown of the number of youth justice workers by Youth Diversion Project, further broken down by Garda Division and District. The figures provided are on a Full Time Equivalent basis.
