Written Answers Nos. 243-262
243. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the status of an apprentice employer grant application by a person (details supplied); if assistance will be provided in relation to same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21644/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe information requested by the Deputy in relation to the Apprenticeship Incentivisation Scheme in December 2021 is being investigated and compiled by SOLAS. An answer will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as possible.
244. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the steps he is taking to address the shortage of safe pass courses. [21652/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Construction) Regulations 2013, craft and general construction workers, persons undertaking on-site security work and persons or classes of persons as may be prescribed by the relevant Minister are required to hold a safety awareness registration card (Safe Pass card).
Safe Pass training and assessment is delivered by SOLAS Approved Training Organisations (ATOs) and tutors. These are private providers and neither the Department nor SOLAS have a role in the setting of fees or in influencing pricing structure within the market place. As it is a demand-led programme, class sizes vary. Safe Pass tutors generally teach anything between 10 to 20 participants, depending on the demand.
Safe Pass training and assessment delivery had previously mirrored construction sector activity during the COVID-19 period and this has now fully recommenced. SOLAS is not experiencing any backlog regarding Safe Pass training provision. From April through to December 2021 aligned with the reopening of Construction, SOLAS issued 83,000 safe pass cards in total.
SOLAS is continuing to work on the development of an alternative online training and assessment delivery model which is equitable with existing Safe Pass, CSCS and QSCS course delivery in being accessible to all eligible workers, providing real time course participant supports and ensuring assessment integrity. First time applicants will be required to complete face to face training and assessment as per the current practice, with a choice of online or face-to-face delivery for those renewing their cards.
In keeping with procurement procedures and government guidelines SOLAS went to tender for this service in June 2021, and will appoint a successful candidate/organisation shortly.
245. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of persons who have participated in safe pass courses monthly since 1 January 2019, in tabular form. [21653/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Construction) Regulations 2013, craft and general construction workers, persons undertaking on-site security work and persons or classes of persons as may be prescribed by the relevant Minister are required to hold a safety awareness registration card (Safe Pass card).
Safe Pass training and assessment is delivered by SOLAS Approved Training Organisations (ATOs) and tutors. These are private providers who are authorised to organise and deliver Safe Pass training in keeping with SOLAS standards.
Safe Pass training and assessment delivery had previously mirrored construction sector activity during the COVID-19 period and this has now fully recommenced. SOLAS is not experiencing any backlog regarding Safe Pass training provision.
Since 2019, there have been a total of 256,476 new Safe Pass cards issued. The breakdown is as follows:
- 2019 - 105,361 new Safe Pass cards
- 2220 - 70,780 new Safe Pass cards
- 2021 - 80,335 new Safe Pass cards
Please note that the number of new Safe Pass cards issued is recorded on a cumulative basis and not monthly.
|
Year |
New Safe Pass Cards |
|
2019 |
105,361 |
|
2220 |
70,780 |
|
2021 |
80,335 |
|
Total |
256,476 |
246. Deputy Richard O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Justice the number of Garda cars and vans attached to the Limerick Garda division as of 30 April 2020 and 19 April 2022, in tabular form. [21493/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy will be aware that, under the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána. The allocation of Garda resources is a matter for the Commissioner, in light of identified operational demands. As Minister, I have no role in these independent functions. I am assured, however, that Garda management keeps the distribution of resources under continual review in the context of crime trends and policing priorities, to ensure their optimum use.
Budget 2022 provides in excess of an unprecedented €2 billion, of which I am informed that €12m has been allocated for investment in the Garda fleet, which will mean more high visibility policing in our towns and cities.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that the table below sets out the number of vehicles assigned to Limerick Garda Division at 30 April 2020 and 31 March 2022, the latest date for which figures are available.
|
Limerick Division |
Cars |
Vans |
Motorcycles |
4 x 4 |
*Others |
Total |
|
30-Apr-20 |
64 |
19 |
3 |
1 |
2 |
89 |
|
31-Mar-22 |
75 |
18 |
5 |
1 |
3 |
102 |
*The category 'others' refers to MPV, SUV, Minibus or Prisoner Conveyance Vehicles
The Deputy may also wish to be aware that An Garda Síochána publish information on Garda fleet, including a Divisional/District monthly breakdown, on their website at: www.garda.ie/en/about-us/our-departments/finance-services/finance-fleet-management.html.
247. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Justice when an application by a person (details supplied) will be processed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21501/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe application for the person referred to by the Deputy was received by the Undocumented Unit of my Department on 20 February 2022 and continues to be processed. Due to the large number of applications on hand it is not possible to provide a definitive timeframe for a decision to issue.
In order to be fair to all applicants, applications are processed in order of the date on which they are received. Processing times may vary depending on the complexity of the application, whether it is a single or family application, the supporting documentation and the vetting process with An Garda Síochána (AGS). Applications where there is an existing deportation order in place will also require additional processing.
Each application received is assessed individually in accordance with the published criteria, available on my Department's immigration website at: www.irishimmigration.ie/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Undocumented-Policy-Scheme-January-2022.pdf.
248. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Justice when an application by a person (details supplied) will be processed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21502/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe application for the person referred to by the Deputy was received by the Undocumented Unit of my Department on 4 March 2022 and continues to be processed. Due to the large number of applications on hand it is not possible to provide a definitive timeframe for a decision to issue.
In order to be fair to all applicants, applications are processed in order of the date on which they are received. Processing times may vary depending on the complexity of the application, whether it is a single or family application, the supporting documentation and the vetting process with An Garda Síochána (AGS). Applications where there is an existing deportation order in place will also require additional processing.
Each application received is assessed individually in accordance with the published criteria, available on my Department's immigration website at: www.irishimmigration.ie/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Undocumented-Policy-Scheme-January-2022.pdf.
249. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Justice when an application by a person (details supplied) will be processed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21503/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe application for the person referred to by the Deputy was received by the Undocumented Unit of my Department on 16 February 2022 and continues to be processed. Due to the large number of applications on hand it is not possible to provide a definitive timeframe for a decision to issue.
In order to be fair to all applicants, applications are processed in order of the date on which they are received. Processing times may vary depending on the complexity of the application, whether it is a single or family application, the supporting documentation and the vetting process with An Garda Síochána (AGS). Applications where there is an existing deportation order in place will require additional processing.
Each application received is assessed individually in accordance with the published criteria, available on my Department's immigration website at: www.irishimmigration.ie/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Undocumented-Policy-Scheme-January-2022.pdf.
250. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice if requested documentation from a person (details supplied) has been received given that they have yet to receive a response or acknowledgement for same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21514/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Family Reunification Unit of my Department issued a letter to the person concerned on 26 April 2022 to allow them renew their registration with their local immigration office. On receipt of the letter, they should make the arrangements to complete their registration.
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.
251. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice the progress that has been made to date in the determination of an application for a residency permit card renewal in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21530/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can confirm that an application for a Stamp 4 permission from the person referred to by the Deputy has been approved. They can expect to receive their new Irish Residence Permit (IRP) card within the next 10 working days.
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.
252. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice the progress that has been made to date in the determination of an application for residency in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21531/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe person referred to by the Deputy lodged a review application in respect of their EU Treaty Rights application decision on 28 September 2021. This application is currently under consideration.
Applications are dealt with in strict chronological order, and a decision will issue to the applicant in due course. Although it is not possible at the present time to provide a definitive date by which a decision will be reached in this case, there will be no avoidable delay in completing same. The person concerned will be contacted in writing as soon as a decision has been made.
While every effort is made to process these applications as soon as possible, processing times will vary having regard to the volume of applications received, their complexity, the possible need for my Department to seek further information in relation to certain appeals and the resources available to process them.
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.
253. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice the progress that has been made to date in the determination of applications for citizenship in the case of persons (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21533/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe applications for naturalisation from the persons referred to by the Deputy, continue to be processed with a view to establishing whether the applicants meet the statutory conditions for the granting of naturalisation and will be submitted to me for decision in due course.
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.
It is open to the applicant to contact the Citizenship Division of my Department at: citizenshipinfo@justice.ie at any time for an update on 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 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.
254. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Justice if she is satisfied that current legislation is sufficient to deal with the growing use of nitrous oxide as a psychotropic; if not, the work that is under way in her Department to change the situation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21541/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, the Department of Health leads on Government policy in the area of drugs, and this policy is guided by the national drugs and alcohol strategy "Reducing Harm, Supporting Recovery - a health led response to drug and alcohol use in Ireland 2017-2025". This strategy represents a whole-of-government response to drug and alcohol use in Ireland. Implementation is led by my colleague the Minister of State at the Department of Health, Frank Feighan, and encompasses actions for all stakeholders, including An Garda Síochána and my Department.
The Deputy may be aware that nitrous oxide has various legitimate uses; medical, non-medical and industrial and, because of its legitimate uses, it is not controlled under the Misuse of Drugs Acts or under the International Drug Conventions. Under Section 3 of the Criminal Justice (Psychoactive Substances) Act 2010 it is already an offence to sell, import or export a psychoactive substance for human consumption, including nitrous oxide.
The purpose of the Criminal Justice (Psychoactive Substances) Act 2010 includes the prevention of the misuse of dangerous or otherwise harmful psychoactive substances and the provision of offences relating to the sale, importation, exportation or advertisement of those substances. For example, the Act provides that a person who sells, or who imports or exports, a psychoactive substance knowing or being reckless as to whether that substance is being acquired or supplied for human consumption shall be guilty of an offence. This Act does not provide for an offence for personal possession.
The Deputy may wish to note that the HSE and An Garda Síochána are aware of the issues surrounding nitrous oxide. The HSE is committed to increasing awareness of the health risks associated with substance misuse, including nitrous oxide, among young people, parents and youth organisations. Similarly, Revenue’s Customs Officers are aware of the misuse of nitrous oxide and are closely monitoring importations of the product into the State.
255. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Justice if her Department or officials have had any discussion with the Data Protection Commission on the implication of new technology such as smart glasses for data protection; her views on whether new legislation is necessary to protect individual rights in this area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21553/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy may be aware, while the Data Protection Commission comes under the aegis of my Department in respect of the provision of funding and resources, the Commission itself, under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018, is completely independent in the performance of its tasks and the exercise of its powers. It does not report to my Department, nor has my Department any oversight or enforcement powers in relation to the Commission.
It is important to remember that regardless of the technology, in this case ‘smart glasses’, data subjects continue to retain their rights under the GDPR and the Data Protection Act, 2018. Similarly, data controllers and processors must continue to comply with their obligations under the same legislation when engaged in the processing of data.
I can assure the Deputy that my Department will continue to closely monitor and analyse developments in this area.
256. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Justice the number of immigrant investor programme visas her Department has cancelled and revoked since the scheme was introduced to date in 2022. [21555/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has not revoked or cancelled any Immigrant Investor Programme (IIP) permissions to date.
However, the Deputy may be interested to know that there are significant withdrawal rates during the application process, with over 350 applications withdrawn to date. Some of these prospective investors may have withdrawn their application because they are no longer interested in the programme, because of the rigorous screening involved, or because they may have applied for similar schemes in other countries.
The IIP was introduced in April 2012 to encourage inward investment and create business and employment opportunities in the State. The programme provides investors with the opportunity to invest in Ireland. Key to the programme is that the investments are beneficial for Ireland, generate or sustain employment and are generally in the public interest. To date, more than 1,400 IIP applications have been approved for investment with a value of over €1 Billion.
Successful applicants under the IIP and their nominated family members are granted a residence permission in Ireland under Stamp 4 conditions. Stamp 4 conditions permit non-EEA nationals to work, study or start their own business in Ireland.
Given the significant immigration benefits accruing to successful applicants under the programme all such persons are subject to rigorous screening by my Department as to their suitability during the application process. This screening includes due diligence and sanction checks in respect of applicants, and reputable international databases are accessed for this purpose, as and when required, to ensure that only reputable individuals are eligible for permission. These rigorous checks are aimed at protecting the integrity of the programme and the State’s interests. Ireland was singled out in a 2019 EU Commission Report on immigrant investor schemes as being one of a very limited number of Member States where specific monitoring mechanisms and reporting obligations in relation to investor programmes exist. A copy of this report can be found at:
ec.europa.eu/info/sites/default/files/com_2019_12_final_report.pdf.
All projects which IIP applicants are investing in are also examined in great detail by an independent Evaluation Committee comprising key officials from a number of Government Departments and State Agencies with an appropriate corporate expertise in this area. In addition, IIP permissions are renewable at years two and five and specific monitoring mechanisms and reporting obligations apply in this regard.
257. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Justice the reason that it is necessary to get separate Garda clearance certificates for multiple activities within a calendar year including separate clearance for membership of different clubs and societies and employments; if she is examining this matter in order to streamline the process; if changes to the relevant legislation in this regard are being considered; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21559/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, the primary purpose of the employment vetting carried out by the National Vetting Bureau is to seek to ensure the safety of children and vulnerable adults. It is carried out by An Garda Síochána in accordance with the provisions of the National Vetting Bureau (Children and Vulnerable Persons) Acts 2012-2016. I am sure the Deputy will appreciate the importance of this task and the need for it to be carried out thoroughly and correctly.
The Deputy will be further aware that the legislation provides for vetting to be conducted only on behalf of relevant organisations that are registered with the National Vetting Bureau and is not conducted for individual persons on a personal basis.
A Garda Vetting Review Group was established in April 2021 and meets monthly to discuss proposals regarding potential amendments to vetting legislation. It includes members of An Garda Síochána and officials from my Department, Tusla and other relevant parties.
The primary focus of the Group is to deliberate on and formulate recommendations to strengthen the vetting legislation in an effective manner. Issues to be considered by the group include any changes which may be possible around the matter of re-vetting. The Group is due to report by the end of this year.
The vetting applications process is an operational matter for An Garda Síochána and neither I, as Minister, nor my Department, have any role in the processing of individual vetting applications.
I am informed that the GNVB continues to focus on ensuring that minimum disruption is 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 9 working days for most applications, which I am sure the Deputy will agree remains a reasonable timeframe for such applications to be processed.
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.
258. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Justice the number of electric vehicles andor hybrid vehicles in the allocation of ministerial vehicles that are vehicles from the Garda fleet; and if she will provide the make and model of all vehicles of same by the year registration. [21611/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy will be aware that, under the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána. The allocation of Garda resources is a matter for the Commissioner, in light of identified operational demands. As Minister, I have no role in these independent functions. I am assured, however, that Garda management keeps the distribution of resources under continual review in the context of crime trends and policing priorities, to ensure their optimum use.
The Garda authorities inform me that, as of 26 April 2022, the Garda fleet includes an allocation of 17 Ministerial vehicles, 3 of which are electric/hybrid vehicles, with one further allocation of a fully electric vehicle planned for the near future.
The following table sets out the make/model, fuel type and year of registration for allocated Ministerial vehicles.
|
Year |
Make/Model |
Fuel Type |
|
2013 |
AUDI A6 3.0TDI |
Diesel |
|
2013 |
AUDI A6 3.0TDI |
Diesel |
|
2013 |
AUDI A6 3.0TDI |
Diesel |
|
2013 |
AUDI A6 3.0TDI |
Diesel |
|
2014 |
AUDI A6 3.0TDI |
Diesel |
|
2014 |
BMW 730 4DR |
Diesel |
|
2016 |
BMW 530D |
Diesel |
|
2016 |
BMW 530D |
Diesel |
|
2016 |
BMW 530D |
Diesel |
|
2016 |
BMW 530D |
Diesel |
|
2017 |
F/TRANSIT M/BUS |
Diesel |
|
2017 |
BMW 740 |
Diesel |
|
2019 |
BMW 530D |
Diesel |
|
2019 |
AUDI A6 3.0TDI |
Diesel |
|
2019 |
LEXUS LUX LS500 |
Hybrid/Unleaded |
|
2021 |
AUDI A6 50TFSI E |
Plug in Electric |
|
2021 |
AUDI A6 50TFSI E |
Plug in Electric |
259. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Justice if she will respond to concerns raised by local publicans and vintners' representatives in respect of the Sale of Alcohol Bill 2021 (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21620/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Programme for Government commits to ‘modernising our licensing laws and application processes, and my Justice Plan 2022 commits to publishing and enacting new laws to update and modernise licensing laws.
I am delivering on that commitment by preparing Heads of a General Scheme of a Sale of Alcohol Bill.
The objective of the proposed Bill is to repeal the Licensing Acts 1833 to 2018, the Registration of Clubs Acts 1904 to 2008, and the Public Dance Hall Act 1935, and to replace them with updated and streamlined provisions more suited to the 21st century.
Codifying alcohol licensing law into a single Act will make it more accessible and user-friendly for the licensed trade, courts, Gardaí and the public.
The development of this Bill will take account of concerns on a wide range of issues, including public health, public order and the interests of consumers, communities and businesses.
Last November, I launched a wide-ranging consultation to seek the views of the public on the modernisation of Ireland’s licensing laws. The consultation, which ran until 21 January this year, looked at how best to update the existing laws governing the sale and regulation of alcohol in Ireland. Members of the public, academics, sectoral groups, and representative organisations were invited to complete an online survey and/or make a written submission to my Department.
There was a high level of response to the consultation, with in excess of 5,000 responses received. My Department is now reviewing these responses to ensure the reform of the legislation takes account of and is informed by this engagement.
You may also be interested to know, that on 10 March, I hosted a consultation webinar on the reform of the alcohol licensing laws to give an opportunity for further discussion of the issues of concern to stakeholders. Representatives of VFI (Vintners Federation of Ireland) and the LVA (Licensed Vintners Association) took part in a panel discussion at this event.
That webinar can be viewed on my Department’s YouTube channel via the following link: www.youtube.com/watch?v=0tMtKzd_9jA.
It is intended to progress this legislation in the months ahead with a view to enacting it this year. Details of the proposed reform will be included in the General Scheme when published.
260. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Health when the HSE will advertise a tender for the transport of patients for appointments and dialysis in the north Tipperary area of the HSE mid-west region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21571/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
261. Deputy Richard O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Health if there is a self-harm protocol for patients presenting with self-harm injuries at each emergency department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21492/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
262. Deputy Richard O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Health the number of full-time epidermolysis bullosa outreach nurses working in the public health service as of 1 April 2020, 1 April 2021 and 1 April 2022; and the location in which these nurses are based, in tabular form. [21495/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy, as soon as possible.
