Written Answers Nos. 316-332
316. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the name, function and establishment date of all the organisations and agencies that are funded by his Department; the number of employees in each; the salary of the chief executive in each organisation and agency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49187/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe information requested by the Deputy in relation to the name, function and establishment date of all the non-commercial aegis bodies that are funded by this Department; the number of employees in each; the salary of the chief executive in each non-commercial aegis body is attached in tabular form.
317. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if there is another route of getting into biological sciences and biomedical sciences if one cannot gain access through the traditional route of the CAO system (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49251/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraOutside of the typical points-based route, the main alternate routes into higher education are entry on the basis of a further education qualification, and entry as a mature student. There are alternative routes of entry to the course you have raised. I would encourage your constituent to seek advice from an Adult Guidance Service on the next steps available. This could be requested from the local education and training board. if the Deputy wishes to contact my office separately, I can make the details available.
318. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science his plans to keep his promise of a furtherance of education for Irish students displaced due to the war in Ukraine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49347/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraSince Russia invaded Ukraine in February, I have been unwavering in my support to enable Irish students whose studies were interrupted to continue with their education.
It is my understanding that students have received offers from the Irish medical schools in relation to the continuation of their education and are now accepting them.
319. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science his views regarding the termination of the Maynooth University student centre project, which had been planned and which students had been paying an increased student levy for over the past period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49366/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMaynooth University recently informed my Department that its’ Governing Authority has taken the difficult decision to terminate the Maynooth University Student Centre contract.
My Department does not have any direct involvement in the project in question, as no direct exchequer funding was being provided by my Department for this project, which was solely being funded by European Investment Bank borrowings serviced by income from a student levy. However, all capital projects advanced by publicly funded Higher Education Institutions must comply with the provisions of the Public Spending Code. I understand following detailed consideration on a number of matters, including the risk associated with continuing with a project that would breach the Public Spending Code, the Governing Authority decided to terminate the contract.
Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) are governed by the Universities Act 1997, the Institutes of Technologies Acts 1992 to 2006 and the Technological Universities Act 2018. Within the meaning of these Acts, HEIs are autonomous bodies and are responsible for their own day-to-day management and operational affairs including dealing with policy and procedure in relation to any levy payable by students for services or campus facilitates.
The expenditure that has been incurred to date on the project will be met by the University from financial reserves. No financial contribution is being sought from the exchequer and there will be no impact on the student levy collected from the MU student body. Maynooth University are considering the most appropriate means of meeting the need for additional student spaces on campus, in the short and long term, in the overall context of achieving value for money in any future investment.
I met with Student representatives on a range of issues on Thursday 6th October. The Student’s Union from Maynooth University were represented at this meeting and spoke to their concerns about the Student Centre and the Student Levy.
I would strongly encourage the University to continue engagement with the student representative body, on the next steps for this project, and understand that a meeting will take place this week between the President and student representatives.
320. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science his plans, if any, to allow graduate entry medicine programmes to become eligible for SUSI student grant support where students meet the income threshold; if he will indicate a timeframe for same, and in circumstances where students currently undertaking GEM programmes had not previously availed of the SUSI grant and meet the income threshold criteria, if they can avail of grant support for this academic year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49396/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra321. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if the one-off €1,000 reduction in the student contribution fee for higher education students will apply to part-time students; if the reduction will also apply to students pursing a relevant degree programme with a private institution; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49410/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs part of Budget 2023 I have secured a significant cost of living package for third level students including a once-off €1,000 state financial support towards the undergraduate student contribution fee for higher education students eligible for my Department’s free fees schemes.
For students in private colleges the reduction will only apply where students are attending approved undergraduate free fees courses and where the student is eligible for free fees.
Students attending part time courses are not eligible for the free fees schemes and therefore the once off student contribution support of €1,000 in 22/23 cannot apply to students undertaking part time study.
For part time students attending publicly funded HEIs that are experiencing difficulties currently, there is a significant allocation to the Student Assistance Fund (SAF). The SAF assists students in a sensitive and compassionate manner who might otherwise be unable to continue their third level studies due to their financial circumstances. This fund is administered on a confidential, discretionary basis and I would encourage students to contact their access office to avail of these funds.
Tax relief on tuition fees may be available for students attending courses in private colleges and or attending part-time courses. Details in relation to this relief are available from the Revenue Commissioners.
It is open to private institutions to provide financial supports to students that they consider to be in need of such assistance. Private Colleges can advise students on any supports available for courses they provide.
322. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Justice the number of gardaí who are assigned to the Cobh district and to the Garda stations in the district, by rank; if there has been an increase or decrease in these numbers in the past 12 months; if so, the details of same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [49152/22]
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 decisions on the deployment of personnel among the various Garda Divisions. 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 2023 of €2.14 billion.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that at 31 August 2022, the latest date for which figures are available, there were 340 Garda members assigned to the Cork North Division which represents an increase of 1.5% since end August 2021. I am further informed that as of the same date there were 115 Garda members assigned to Midleton District and 35 Garda members assigned to Cobh Garda station. I am pleased to note that the number of Garda members assigned to Cobh Garda station has increased by 6% since end August 2021.
The table below which has been provided to me by the Garda authorities, sets out the number of Garda members assigned to Cork North Division at 31 August 2022, the latest date for which figures are available.
|
CORK NORTH DIVISION - 31/08/2022 |
District |
Station |
GD |
SG |
IN |
SU |
CS |
AC |
Total |
|
FERMOY |
BALLYNOE |
1 |
1 |
||||||
|
CASTLETOWNROCHE |
1 |
1 |
|||||||
|
FERMOY |
55 |
12 |
4 |
1 |
72 |
||||
|
KILDORRERY |
1 |
1 |
|||||||
|
KILWORTH |
1 |
1 |
|||||||
|
MITCHELSTOWN |
20 |
6 |
26 |
||||||
|
RATHCORMAC |
|||||||||
|
WATERGRASSHILL |
2 |
2 |
|||||||
|
TOTAL |
81 |
18 |
4 |
1 |
104 |
||||
|
MALLOW |
BUTTEVANT |
2 |
2 |
||||||
|
CHARLEVILLE |
18 |
3 |
21 |
||||||
|
DONERAILE |
2 |
1 |
3 |
||||||
|
GLANTAINE |
1 |
1 |
|||||||
|
KANTURK |
22 |
3 |
25 |
||||||
|
LISCARROLL |
1 |
1 |
|||||||
|
MALLOW |
54 |
7 |
4 |
65 |
|||||
|
MILFORD |
1 |
1 |
2 |
||||||
|
NEWMARKET |
1 |
1 |
|||||||
|
TOTAL |
102 |
15 |
4 |
121 |
|||||
|
MIDLETON |
BALLYCOTTON |
1 |
1 |
||||||
|
CARRIGTWOHILL |
4 |
1 |
5 |
||||||
|
CLOYNE |
1 |
1 |
|||||||
|
COBH |
30 |
4 |
1 |
35 |
|||||
|
KILLEAGH |
1 |
1 |
|||||||
|
MIDLETON |
42 |
6 |
1 |
1 |
50 |
||||
|
WHITEGATE |
1 |
1 |
|||||||
|
YOUGHAL |
17 |
4 |
21 |
||||||
|
TOTAL |
97 |
15 |
2 |
1 |
115 |
||||
|
CORK NORTH Total |
280 |
48 |
10 |
2 |
340 |
*The above information is based upon operational data which has been provided by An Garda Síochána and may be liable to change.
323. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Justice the name, function and establishment date of all the organisations and agencies that are funded by her Department; the number of employees in each; the salary of the chief executive in each organisation and agency; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [49190/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe information requested by the Deputy regarding organisations and agencies funded from the Vote of my Department is set out in the table below. Positions are related to existing civil service scales.
|
Name |
Function |
Establishment date |
Number of employees |
Salary of senior officer |
|
Forensic Science Ireland |
Scientific service to the criminal justice system; analysis of samples submitted from crime scenes and provision of expert evidence in criminal trials. |
1975 |
183 |
Director General €166,194 |
|
Garda Síochána Inspectorate |
Carries out inspections or inquiries in relation to any particular aspects of the operation and administration of An Garda Síochána. |
2006 |
12 |
Chief Inspector€150,597 |
|
Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission (GSOC) |
Independent oversight of alleged misbehaviour by members of An Garda Síochána. Receives complaints made by members of the public concerning the conduct of members of the Garda Síochána, exercises power in relation to those complaints, issues guidelines, reports the results of its investigations to the Garda Commissioner and DPP as appropriate, and draws up protocols. |
2007 |
156 |
Chairperson€196,410 |
|
Insolvency Service of Ireland (ISI) |
Operates system to support the alternatives to bankruptcy, administers estates of bankrupts, regulates authorised practitioners who offer personal insolvency advice, promotes awareness of personal insolvency solutions. |
2013 |
81 |
Director (Assistant Secretary General)€159,042 |
|
International Protection Appeals Tribunal (IPAT) |
Statutorily independent appeals body which exercises a quasi-judicial function; hears and determine appeals of International Protection decisions. |
2016 |
48 |
Chairperson €106,518 |
|
Irish Film Classification Office (IFCO) |
Statutory body responsible for examining and certifying of all cinema films and videos/DVDs distributed in Ireland, and licensing of retail and wholesale outlets to sell or rent DVDs/videos. |
1923 |
4 |
Director (Acting) €82,409 |
|
Dublin District Coroner's Office |
Investigation of sudden, unexplained and unnatural deaths in his or her district. |
2018 |
30 |
Administrative Head of Office €106,518 |
|
Office of the Chief State Pathologist |
24-hour forensic pathology service. |
1974 |
10 |
Chief State Pathologist €241,373 |
|
Office of the Inspector of Prisons |
Carrying out regular inspections of prisons. Provides an annual report to the Minister, along with ‘themed reports’ on relevant aspects of the prison service and reports on the deaths of prisoners. |
2007 |
14 |
Inspector of Prisons€145,283 |
|
Parole Board |
Considers applications for parole from prisoners serving life sentences once the prisoners concerned have served at least 12 years of their sentence. |
2021 |
19 |
CEO€98,593 |
|
Private Security Authority (PSA) |
Licensing and regulating the private security industry. |
2004 |
52 |
CEO €83,345 |
|
Probation Service |
Probation supervision, community service, offending behaviour programmes and specialist support services. |
1972 |
428 |
Director€135,082 |
|
Property Services Regulatory Authority (PSRA) |
Licensing and regulating the property services sector in Ireland. |
2012 |
42 |
CEO€101,193 |
324. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Justice the number of scrambler bikes seized by An Garda Síochána nationally in 2021 and to date in 2022; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [49205/22]
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.
325. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Justice the number of scrambler bikes seized by An Garda Síochána in Dublin in 2021 and to date in 2022; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [49206/22]
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.
326. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Justice the reason that naturalisation applications are taking so long to process with many taking over two years; the stages involved in assessing applications; the plans that she has to shorten the processing time without interfering with the integrity of the process; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [49312/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra327. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Justice the average time that it is taking for naturalisation applications to be processed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [49313/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 326 and 327 together.
I 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.
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.
Regrettably, the current average processing time for naturalisation applications is approximately 19 months.
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, including the introduction of online applications, a new customer service helpdesk and a new customer-focused immigration website.
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.
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 passport. This is freeing up staff that up to now have been engaged in returning passports to applicants and will also help to reduce processing times.
A previous examination by the Department of the citizenship application process indicated that incorrectly submitted applications were diverting considerable resources from general processing, resulting in the slowing down of all applications and adversely impacting on customer service. Therefore, significant effort has gone into clarifying the application guidelines published on the Department's immigration website (www.irishimmigration.ie) and on making the application process itself more customer friendly, including the introduction of the new scorecard structure for proof of identity and residence.
The scorecard was introduced to help applicants to complete their applications with greater certainty than before. Since the go-live of the scorecards, a preliminary review of applications received indicates that the quality of the applications has markedly improved.
This is a welcome development and builds on other innovative measures recently introduced in the citizenship application process, including the deployment of “Tara” the e-chat bot, e-payments, e-tax clearance and Gardaí e-vetting, and the removal of the requirement to provide the original passport when making an application. These measures have improved the service to our customers and are contributing to a reduction in processing times.
328. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Justice when an application for naturalisation by a person (details supplied) will be processed; the reason that it is taking so long taking into account that the person has lived legally in Ireland for 40 years and is married to an Irish person; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [49314/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe naturalisation application from the person referred to by the Deputy was acknowledged as having been received by Citizenship division on 23 May 2022, and continues to be processed by my Department, with a view to establishing whether the applicant meets the statutory conditions for the granting of naturalisation.
Citizenship Division have requested further documentation from the person concerned and they should provide this documentation as soon as possible, if they haven't already.
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, average processing times can be up to 19 months.
However, my Department is taking a number of steps to speed up the processing of applications and a number of digitisation measures have been introduced to increase efficiency in the process, including eTax clearance, eVetting and online payments.
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.
329. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Dlí agus Cirt cé na céimeanna atá curtha i bhfeidhm chun a chinntiú go bhfuil dóthain Gaeilge ag breithiúna, atá á gceapadh faoi alt 44 den Acht Cúirteanna Breithiúnais, 1924, lena gcuid gnóthaí a dhéanamh trí Ghaeilge; na córais measúnaithe Gaeilge a úsáidtear chuige sin mar chuid den phróiseas ceapacháin; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [49328/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMar is eol don Teachta, faoi fhorálacha an Achta um Sheirbhís Chúirteanna, 1998, is í an tSeirbhís Chúirteanna – atá neamhspleách ag feidhmiú a feidhmeanna di – atá freagrach as bainistiú na gcúirteanna. Ina theannta sin, is ábhair a bhaineann go hiomlán le hUachtaráin na gCúirteanna agus leis na breithiúna ceannais – atá, faoin mBunreacht, neamhspleách ag feidhmiú a bhfeidhmeanna breithiúnacha dóibh – iad cásanna cúirte aonair a sceidealú agus gnó cúirte a leithroinnt.
Tá an Rialtas tiomnaithe d’acmhainní leordhóthanacha a chinntiú do na cúirteanna chun rochtain ar an gceartas a choinneáil do na saoránaigh go léir, lena n-áirítear na daoine ar mian leo go ndéanfaí imeachtaí a stiúradh trí Ghaeilge. Á chur sin san áireamh, féachann an Rialtas le folúntais bhreithiúnacha a líonadh chomh luath agus is féidir, agus lena chinntiú go leanfaidh ár gcúirteanna de bheith ag oibriú chomh héifeachtach éifeachtúil agus is féidir.
Déanann an tUachtarán, ag gníomhú dó nó di ar chomhairle an Rialtais, ceapacháin bhreithiúnacha de réir Airteagail 13.9 agus 35.1 den Bhunreacht. Is é an Bord Comhairleach um Cheapacháin Bhreithiúnacha an comhlacht a bhfuil curtha de chúram air iarrthóirí cuí a mholadh lena gceapadh. Tuigtear dom go lorgaítear faisnéis maidir le hinniúlacht iarratasóra sa Ghaeilge, i measc scileanna eile, ar fhoirm iarratais an Bhoird.
I mí Aibreáin, d’fhoilsigh mé an Bille fá Choimisiún um Cheapacháin Bhreithiúnacha, agus táim tiomnaithe dá achtú i mbliana. Gabhfaidh an Coimisiún ionad an Bhoird. Molfaidh an Coimisiún – ar a mbeidh an líon céanna d’ionadaithe tuata agus d’ionadaithe breithiúnacha – iarrthóirí lena gceapadh ina mbreithiúna ag an Aire. Ceanglófar ar dhaoine ar mian leo go ndéanfaí iad a bhreithniú i dtaca lena gceapadh chuig oifig bhreithiúnach, lena n-áirítear breithiúna a bheidh ag fónamh, iarratas a dhéanamh chun an Choimisiúin – is athrú é sin ar an gcleachtas reatha. Foráiltear leis an mBille, freisin, go mbeidh ar na hiarrthóirí go léir bheith tar éis dul faoi agallamh sula ndéanfar iad a mholadh don Aire Dlí agus Cirt.
Is ar bhonn fiúntais a bheidh na moltaí ón gCoimisiún. Rachaidh iarrthóirí rathúla ar aghaidh lena gceapadh ag an Uachtarán, ar chomhairle an Rialtais, mar a cheanglaítear faoi Bhunreacht na hÉireann. Tá foráil eile ann go dtabharfar aird i gceanglais i leith ceapacháin bhreithiúnaigh ar an ngá go rachadh iarrthóirí faoi oiliúint bhreithiúnach nó forbairt ghairmiúil leanúnach.
Leis an mBille fá Choimisiún um Cheapacháin Bhreithiúnacha déantar socrú, i ndáil le hoifig bhreithiúnach sa Stát, maidir le cuspóirí atá faoi réir na forála maidir le fiúntas. Foráiltear leis an mBille go gcuirfear san áireamh, a mhéid is féidir agus is indéanta, gur ceart leorlíon breithiúna le hinniúlacht sa Ghaeilge a bheith ar áireamh i gcomhaltas na mbreithiúna i ngach cúirt chun freastal ar riachtanais úsáideoirí gach cúirte – ar riachtanais iad a bheidh arna sainaithint ag an gCoimisiún – i leith imeachtaí a bheith á stiúradh sa Ghaeilge.
Foráiltear le hAlt 44 den Acht Cúirteanna Breithiúnais, 1924, gur ceart, sa mhéid gur féidir é, breitheamh a shanntar do Chuaird ina bhfuil limistéar Gaeltachta a bheith inniúil sa Ghaeilge. Cuirtear na forálacha sin san áireamh sa phróiseas breithnithe maidir leis na folúntais iomchuí.
330. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Justice if changes will be made to The Criminal Justice (Theft and Fraud Offences) Act 2001 concerning the theft of family pets (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [49336/22]
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.
|
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
2022* |
|
|
Dog Theft Incidents |
60 |
70 |
121 |
116 |
38 |
|
Stolen Dogs |
145 |
204 |
228 |
280 |
77 |
331. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Justice the number of evidential-breath-testing machines currently in use in the Kilkenny/Carlow Garda division; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [49352/22]
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.
332. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice further to Parliamentary Question No. 368 of 27 September 2022, his plans to increase the number of staff to ensure that a faster processing timeline is achieved; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [49404/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can inform the Deputy that all efforts are being made to ensure that there are sufficient resources available to provide customers with an acceptable standard of service. However, as the Deputy will be aware there are unprecedented demands on Immigration Services as a result of both the Ukraine crisis and increasing numbers of applicants seeking International Protection at a time when there is competition for resources across every sector of the economy. My Department, including Immigration Services, will continue to resource priority areas to meet the demands. All Citizenship Applications are processed in chronological order by date received. 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 and this increased efficiency has continued in 2022.
Due to the high volume of applications currently on hand, regrettably, processing times can average 19 months.
