Written Answers Nos. 1450-1469
1452. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice the status of the proposed review of the Multi-Unit Developments Act 2011; if she will engage with residents' associations and management companies on the operation of the Act; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43659/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Multi-Unit Developments Act 2011 was enacted with the primary purposes of reforming the law relating to the ownership and management of common areas of multi-unit developments and facilitating the fair, efficient and effective management of owners' management companies (OMCs).
The Programme for Government contains a commitment to conduct a review of the existing management company legislation, to ensure that it is fit for purpose and that it acts in the best interests of residents. This is referring to the Multi-Unit Developments Act 2011.
In terms of overall policy on this review and related matters, my Department will be guided by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage (DHLGH), and its relevant agencies.
My Department will engage with other relevant Departments in relation to taking the appropriate steps to advance this matter.
1453. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice the progress to date in the determination of an application for citizenship in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43694/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe naturalisation application from the person referred to by the Deputy continues to be processed by my Department, with a view to establishing whether the applicant meets the statutory conditions for the granting of naturalisation. It 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.
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.
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.
1454. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice the progress to date in the determination of an application for citizenship in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43714/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe naturalisation application from the person referred to by the Deputy, continues to be processed by my Department, with a view to establishing whether the applicant meets the statutory conditions for the granting of naturalisation. It 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.
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.
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.
1455. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice the progress to date in the determination of application for citizenship in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43730/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe naturalisation application from the person referred to by the Deputy continues to be processed by my Department, with a view to establishing whether the applicant meets the statutory conditions for the granting of naturalisation. It 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.
Applications are processed in chronological order by date received. Due to the high volume of applications currently on hand, regrettably, processing times can be up to 22 months.
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.
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.
1456. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Justice if she will undertake a review of the renewal procedures in place for Irish residence permits in order to make the process more efficient; if it is necessary for renewals to be made annually in all cases; if the charge for renewal will be reduced; if the renewal process can be expedited for those who cannot be without their passport for a long period of time or for those needing to make a separate application for a Schengen visa; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43732/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department's Registration Office in Burgh Quay is responsible for registering and renewing immigration permissions for customers residing in the Dublin area only. Registrations outside of the Dublin area are processed by the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB) through the Garda Station network. The allocation of appointments with GNIB is a matter for An Garda Síochána.
As part of my Department’s ongoing work to meet the demand for first-time registration appointments, on 10 January 2022, a Freephone service (1800 741 741) was introduced for customers. The current operating hours are 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday and all appointments for Dublin based customers to register their immigration permission are now issued through this service. Operators offer one appointment per call, unless it is for an identifiable family group. Since it's introduction, 19,972 people have received an appointment through this service.
If a person is residing in the Dublin area and has an existing valid permission to be in the State, then they do not need to seek an appointment to renew their permission. Since 20 July 2020 all renewals for the Dublin area are being processed online, and there is no requirement to submit their passport. To date, almost 169,000 applications have been processed through this system. The online renewal application is available at: inisonline.jahs.ie.
Immigration permissions are normally renewed on an annual basis, unless a longer period is determined by the criteria of an individual immigration scheme. Subject to meeting the criteira, people may also be eligible to apply for Long Term Residency (LOTR), which is granted for five years. Further information is available on my Department's immigration website at: www.irishimmigration.ie/my-situation-has-changed-since-i-arrived-in-ireland/long-term-residency/
The cost of registration is kept under ongoing review by my Department. However, there are no current plans to reduce the fee.
The Registration Office’s customer service team is available to support customers who may have language difficulties or who may need assistance with translation. A number of multi-lingual videos describing the registration process and what to expect are available on my Department's immigration website (www.irishimmigration.ie). Customers who have an emergency can contact the Immigration Service Helpdesk by emailing immigrationsupport@justice.ie who will endeavour to assist.
1458. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Justice if she will provide details of the total number of individuals currently in the international protection system, including a breakdown by gender and individuals under 18 years. [43786/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraTable 1
|
Cases pending by gender, adults and minors |
||||
|
IPO |
PTRR* |
MDU** |
Total |
|
|
Male |
6462 |
518 |
602 |
7582 |
|
Adult |
5526 |
452 |
558 |
6536 |
|
Minor |
936 |
66 |
44 |
1046 |
|
Female |
3287 |
250 |
161 |
3698 |
|
Adult |
2487 |
185 |
116 |
2788 |
|
Minor |
800 |
65 |
45 |
910 |
|
Non specified |
7 |
0 |
0 |
7 |
|
Adult |
7 |
0 |
0 |
7 |
|
Minor |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Unknown |
1 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
|
Adult |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Minor |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Total |
9757 |
768 |
763 |
11288 |
*PTRR: Permission to Remain Review Unit
**MDU: the Ministerial Decisions Unit.
Table 2
|
Total number of all appeals with the IPAT as of July 2022. |
Of which female |
Of which male |
|
761 |
290 |
471 |
|
Total number of appeals with the IPAT in respect of children under the age of 18 (includes those who arrived in the State unaccompanied) |
Of which female |
Of which male |
|
166 |
81 |
85 |
1459. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Justice the status of an application for family reunification by an Afghan refugee (details supplied); if their application for reunification with their wife and daughter will be approved; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43813/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe person referred to by the Deputy made an application under the Afghan Admissions Programme, which was received by my Department on 11 March 2022.
My Department has received a total of 528 applications under the Programme. My officials are currently processing all applications and expect to issue decisions in the coming months.
It is important to note that all current immigration avenues remain open for new applications, including visa and family reunification applications. The Afghan Admission Programme is additional to the current suite of immigration schemes and should not be viewed in isolation. Many people are already availing of these other avenues, and will continue to do so. Further details in relation to the other avenues available and how to apply can be found on the Irish immigration website (www.irishimmigration.ie ).
Since the beginning of August 2021 to end July 2022, a total of 135 join family visas have been approved for Afghan nationals and 77 family reunification applications have been approved.
A significant number of Afghan people have also been allocated places under the Irish Refugee Protection Programme (IRPP), which is under the remit of the Department of Children, Equality. Disability, Integration and Youth. The Department provides the visas to facilitate their travel to Ireland and almost 600 visa waiver letters have been issued to date.
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
1460. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Justice if she has received the independent study on familicide and domestic homicide reviews; and when it will be published. [43817/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is aware, an independent study has been commissioned by the Department into familicide and domestic homicide reviews.
This independent research, initially led by Norah Gibbons until her untimely passing in 2020, has involved consultations with a wide range of stakeholders including family members of victims, State agencies and non-governmental organisations, with a view to making recommendations to improve the State's response to familicide and domestic homicide.
Prior to finalising the report the person who took over as study lead, Maura Butler, paid particular attention to the fair procedures part of the process which involved allowing any persons or organisations who might be affected by the contents of the draft report (including the families concerned) to be given an opportunity to reply to the contents of the report.
The study lead recently presented the final report to me and it is now being considered by officials in my Department. I intend to publish the report in the coming weeks and will ensure that prior to publication a copy of the report is provided to the families concerned.
1461. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Justice the number of full-time community gardaí in the Tipperary division; the divisions within Tipperary to which they are allocated; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43876/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, in accordance with the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the general management and administration of the Garda organisation. This includes the deployment of Garda members throughout the State. As Minister, I have no direct role in these matters.
I am however assured that Garda management keeps the distribution of resources under continual review in the context of policing priorities and crime trends, to ensure their optimal use. I also understand that the allocation of resources and numbers required locally for Community Policing is solely the responsibility of the Divisional Officer.
I am advised that at 31 July 2022, the latest date for which figures are available, there were 399 Garda members assigned to Tipperary Division. This represents an increase of over 4% since end December 2017 when there were 382 Garda members assigned to the Division.
The table below, which has been provided to me by the Garda authorities, sets out the number of Garda members assigned to Tipperary Division at 31 July 2022.
|
Tipperary Division - 31 July 2022 |
District |
GD |
SG |
IN |
SU |
CS |
AC |
Total |
|
|
Cahir |
56 |
8 |
1 |
1 |
|
|
66 |
|
|
Clonmel |
59 |
14 |
2 |
1 |
|
|
76 |
|
|
Nenagh |
69 |
15 |
2 |
1 |
|
|
87 |
|
|
Thurles |
92 |
16 |
3 |
1 |
1 |
|
113 |
|
|
Tipperary |
44 |
10 |
2 |
1 |
|
|
57 |
|
Total |
|
320 |
63 |
10 |
5 |
1 |
|
399 |
The table below, provided to me by the Garda authorities, outlines the number of full-time Community Gardaí assigned to the Tipperary Division at 31 July 2022, the latest date for which figures are available.
|
Community Gardaí |
Sergeant |
Garda |
Total |
|
Cahir |
0 |
3 |
3 |
|
Clonmel |
1 |
3 |
4 |
|
Nenagh |
0 |
1 |
1 |
|
Thurles |
1 |
0 |
1 |
|
Tipperary |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Total |
2 |
7 |
9 |
I am further informed by the Garda authorities that the number of full time Garda members categorised as being assigned to Community Policing roles in Tipperary was recently the subject of review and adjustment by Senior Management in the Division, to more accurately reflect the nature of other front line duties carried out by those members during their tours.
The Deputy will also be aware that, to date, the official categorisation as a Community Garda has simply referred to those who are exclusively assigned to building relationships with local communities and civil society, including giving talks to schools, community groups and others.
It is important to note, however, that community policing is at the heart of An Garda Síochána and that all Gardaí have a role to play in community policing in the course of carrying out their duties.
Indeed, this is fundamental to the new Garda Operating Model recommended by the Commission on the Future of Policing in Ireland and currently being rolled out under 'A Policing Service for Our Future', the Government's implementation plan for the Commission's recommendations.
Further detailed information in relation to Garda numbers can be found on my Department’s website. This information is updated every month with the latest data provided by An Garda Síochána, and includes the number of Gardaí by station across the whole country.
The information can be found at the following link:
http://www.justice.ie/en/JELR/Pages/An_Garda_Siochana_facts_and_figures
1463. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Justice the estimated cost to the Exchequer of adding an additional 100 and 1,000 members of An Garda Síochána to the force in 2023; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43956/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, in accordance with the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the general management and administration of the Garda organisation, including all human resource matters and recruitment. As Minister, I have no direct role in these matters.
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.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that the estimated cost of recruiting 100 Garda trainees in 2023 is in the region of €2.43 million, and in the region of €24.3 million for 1,000 trainees.
The calculation is based on €0.686m for the first 33 weeks for 100 recruits, and €6.86m for 1,000 recruits, whereby new recruits undergo training. During this time they receive basic allowances.
The remaining costs occur on completion of the 33 weeks training. At this time, upon attestation, Garda members move to the first point of the pay scale. An estimation of allowances that the members may qualify for, depending on their assignments and employer’s PRSI, is also included.
Fixed costs including the cost of equipment and accommodation are not included in the estimated figures.
I am advised that the calculations are an estimate only as it must take account of several unknown factors, including the location of any new Garda. The calculations are based on the assumption that recruits commence training on 1 January 2023. The calculations cover January to December 2023, which includes the period of training and subsequently the first 19 weeks of employment.
In line with the 2022 Garda Trainee Recruitment competition, the training assignment will be for a period of 33 weeks or for such longer or shorter periods as the Commissioner of An Garda Síochána may determine. Training availability is determined by a number of factors including Garda College resources and capacity. This estimate does not take potential such resource or capacity limitations into consideration.
The annual payroll costs of these additional recruits would continue to increase as the members move up the Garda pay scale each year.
1464. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Justice the average waiting time for successful naturalisation applications to be processed at present; the number of applications currently being considered; and the number of live applications still being processed that were submitted prior to 1 September 2020. [43961/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am deeply conscious of how important the granting of naturalisation is to those who apply for it and my Department continued to accept and process citizenship applications throughout the pandemic and during all levels of public health restrictions.
There are currently approximately 26,800 naturalisation applications in progress, including 3,961 applications which were submitted prior to 1 September 2020.
Regrettably, the current average processing time for naturalisation applications is approximately 23 months. 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.
However a number of digitisation measures have 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.
Additionally since 1 January 2022, new applicants for citizenship no longer have to submit their original passport with their application. Instead, they can provide a full colour copy of their entire passport, including the front and back covers. This is also freeing up valuable staff that up to now have been engaged in returning passports to applicants and will also help to reduce processing times.
As a result of the introduction of the temporary statutory declaration process in January 2021, and the assignment of additional staff to the citizenship team, last year, 11,512 citizenship decisions were made. This is the highest number of decisions made annually since 2015 and reflects positively the significant changes undertaken to date.
For the first six months of 2022, almost 7,900 citizenship decisions have been issued, including 1,005 decisions on minor applications. This exceeds the total number of minor decisions issued during the whole of last year; when 868 minor decisions were made.
My Justice Plan 2022 commits to developing a fully digital, customer-centric immigration service and to enhance the efficiency of our immigration system. In line with these commitments, a number of actions have been taken to reduce the impact on immigration processing times generally, including the introduction of online applications, a new customer service helpdesk and a new customer-focused immigration website.
1465. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Justice if she will take steps to assist a person (details supplied) who has had an incorrect name printed on their Irish residence permit issued to them in June 2022; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44029/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can confirm that the details on the Irish Residence Permit (IRP) card for the person referred to by the Deputy have been updated and a new card has issued. They can expect to receive their new 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.
1466. Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice the status of the new courthouse in Portlaoise (details supplied); if she will ensure that the additional funding is delivered in order that the project is completed in a timely manner; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44046/22]
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 the exercise of its functions.
As the Deputy will be aware, the Government's revised National Development Plan 2021-2030 includes a number of Courts Service projects to be completed during the period of the plan, including:
- ICT projects to support the Courts Service Modernisation Programme;
- Provision of further new or refurbished courthouses in cities and county towns where facilities remain substandard. Locations where investment is needed include Galway City, Wicklow Town, Portlaoise, Tralee, Roscommon, Naas, Bray, Navan, Swords, Tallaght and Dun Laoghaire. In some of these locations, the proposed projects will include the provision of facilities for Regional Family Law Centres;
- Family Law Complex on Hammond Lane to be developed by PPP;
- A new Children’s Court in Dublin; and
- Modernisation of the Four Courts complex.
The priority project for the period up to 2025 is the proposed new Family Law Complex in Hammond Lane.
Specifically in relation to Portlaoise, as the Deputy will be aware, the current courthouse is located in the town centre. The site at Kylekiproe will be used to build a new courthouse once funding becomes available.
1467. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice the number of additional gardaí hired since the formation of the Government on a county-by-county basis in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44088/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, in accordance with the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána, which includes the recruitment and training of Garda members and staff. Additionally, the Commissioner is responsible under Section 33 of the Act for the deployment of members of An Garda Síochána throughout the State. As Minister, I have no role in these matters.
The Government is committed to ensuring that An Garda Síochána has the resources it needs, with the unprecedented allocation provided in Budget 2022 of over €2 billion.
I understand that it is a matter for the Divisional Chief Superintendent to determine the optimum distribution of duties among the personnel available to them, having regard to the profile of each area within the Division and its specific needs.
Since the reopening of the Garda College in September 2014, a total of 4,005 new recruits have attested as Gardaí and been assigned to duties nationwide. This includes the 518 Probationer Gardaí who have attested since the formation of the Government in June 2020.
Further detailed information in relation to the allocation of Probationer Gardaí by Division and Station can be found on my Department’s website.
The information can be found at the following link: Probationer Gardaí - The Department of Justice (www.justice.ie/en/JELR/Pages/Probationer_Garda%C3%AD)
1468. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice if she will provide a breakdown of all new Garda stations built or existing stations refurbished since the formation of the Government in each Garda division in tabular form. [44089/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have contacted An Garda Síochána for the information requested by the Deputy, regretfully this information was not available in time. I will write to the Deputy once the information is to hand.
1469. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice if she will provide a breakdown of investment in courthouses since the formation of the Government on a county-by-county basis in tabular form. [44090/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the provisions of the Courts Service Act 1998, management of the courts, including the provision of accommodation for court sittings, is the responsibility of the Courts Service, which is independent in the exercise of its functions.
As the Deputy will be aware, the formation of the Government took place in June 2020, which coincided with the Covid-19 pandemic. As such, there has been limited investment in courthouses since then other than works required due to Covid-19 or other minor maintenance work (for example, roof works, window and boiler replacements).
The Courts Service has, however, informed me that progress has been made on the purchase of the following sites:
- Portlaoise site at Kylekiproe in 2020.
- Site to the rear of Naas courthouse in 2022.
- Temporary Courthouse Roscommon (Racecourse Road) which is due to be completed in Q4 2022.
- The priority project for the period up to 2025 is the proposed new Family Law complex in Hammond Lane. The timing and delivery of any remaining courthouse projects will be dependent on the availability of funding over the remainder of the National Development Plan 2021-2030.
