Written Answers Nos. 496-513
496. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice the average processing time for citizenship applications in Ireland at present; if they can be reduced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6716/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraIt 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.
The Citizenship Division receives approximately 1,000 applications per month and utilises the resources available to maximise processing and reduce waiting times. Applications are strictly dealt with in chronological order that they are received, and due to the high volume of applications that are received currently, the median processing time is 19 months.
In 2022 there were 13,613 Certificates of Naturalisation issued, including 1,719 in respect of minor applicants. This represents a 39% increase on the number of certificates issued for 2021 (9,780) and demonstrates the Departments commitment to processing applications in a timely manner.
There are ongoing developments and improvements being made to the citizenship application process. Significant reforms have been introduced for customers to streamline the number of proofs required to establish their identity and residency as part of the application process. A new scorecard was introduced to help applicants to complete their applications. Since this initiative went live, a preliminary review of applications received indicates that the quality of the applications has markedly improved.
I welcome this development which builds on other innovative measures introduced in the application process, including the deployment of “Tara” the e-chat bot, as well as e-payments, e-tax clearance and Gardaí e-vetting, and the removal of the requirement to provide the original passport when making an application, all of which have positively enhanced the applicant's experience.
497. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Justice if he will ensure that the remaining pending applications to the long-term undocumented migrant scheme will be processed without delay; if he will provide details of the number of outstanding applications remaining and the resources allocated to process them in a timely manner; if he will provide a timeframe for when the processing of applications will be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6761/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra516. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Justice if he will provide an update on the regularisation of long-term undocumented migrant scheme; the number of people who applied to the scheme before it closed; the number of people who were regularised following an application to the scheme; the number of people who had their applications rejected; if there are plans to reopen the scheme at a future date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7089/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 497 and 516 together.
The Regularisation of Long Term Undocumented Migrants scheme opened on 31 January 2022 and closed on 31 July 2022. This once in a generation scheme was designed to give long-term undocumented people without a current permission to remain in the State the opportunity to regularise their status, access the labour market and begin their path to citizenship. The scheme was only open to those who did not have a current permission to reside in the Stat.
The Undocumented Unit of my Department received 6,548 applications in respect of 8,311 people under the scheme. Of these 5,654 (86%) were Single Applications and 894 (14%) Family Applications. Almost 70% or 5,368 people who applied to the scheme have been issued a decision, of which 5,197 (97 %) are positive decisions, 97 (2%) are negative decisions, and 74 (1%) applications have been withdrawn by the applicants for various reasons.
It is not possible to provide a definitive timeframe for when the outstanding applications will be finalised. Applications continue to be processed and processing times will 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 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.
The scheme has now closed and although it will not reopen, where a person remains resident in the State without an immigration permission I encourage them to contact the Immigration Service Delivery (ISD) or their local immigration office and to take all the appropriate steps to regularise their status. In all cases, people must engage with the authorities if they wish to be permitted to remain here legally.
500. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Justice the number of people, under-18 and over-18 years of age, who were taken into wardship in December 2022 and January 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6764/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraManagement of the courts, operational matters and logistical functions are the responsibility of the judiciary and Courts Service, which are independent in exercising their functions under the Courts Service Act 1998 and given the separation of powers in the Constitution. The Courts Service has a dedicated email address for the provision of information to members of the Houses of the Oireachtas at: oireachtasenquiries@courts.ie.
Wardship cases are a matter for the Courts Service. Therefore, I have referred your question to the Courts Service for their direct reply.
501. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Justice if he plans to publish the prison health needs assessment; if he will provide a timeline for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6768/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraA Health Needs Assessment Steering Group was established in 2018, following a memorandum of understanding between the then Ministers for Justice and Health to take forward an independent review of the current and future delivery of appropriate provision of healthcare services to persons in custody.
The Health Needs Assessment, both for the Irish Prison Service as a whole and for the 12 individual prisons within the Prison Service estate, which was undertaken by independent consultants Crowe Ireland, commenced in November 2019. The report of this assessment, following deliberations between the Prison Service and both Departments over its recommendations, is now completed.
The report was sent to both the Minister for Health and to me for review and it is our intention to publish the report once that review is completed.
502. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Justice if he will provide an update on the family reunification visas, currently being considered by the Embassy of Ireland in Abu Dhabi, given that it is over six months since these applications were lodged; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6783/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe persons referred to by the Deputy created on-line Join Family visa applications on 20 July 2022. The supporting documentation and fee waivers were received on 3 August 2022 in the Abu Dhabi visa office.
Processing of these applications is ongoing at present. As each application is examined under its own merits, we are unable to give an exact time-frame for completion. However, the applicants can be assured that there will be no avoidable delay in finalising their applications.
In accordance with the provisions under Point 21.1 of the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service's Policy Document on Non-EEA Family Reunification (www.inis.gov.ie) processing of family reunification visa applications may take up to 6 -12 months to determine from date documentation is received in the relevant Visa Office.
The business target of 6-12 months for long term 'join family' applications was established following the publication of the Policy Document on Non-EEA Family Reunification. 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, as you will appreciate, applications are processed in order, by date received in the visa office.
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.
503. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Justice his plans to eliminate the practice of slopping out across the Irish prison estate by developing the sanitation facilities in Portlaoise Prison; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6821/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy will be aware that the Irish Prison Service has committed to the elimination of the practice referred colloquially as ‘slopping out’, through the provision of in cell sanitation in the older parts of the prison estate where that practice remained.
A number of major capital projects have been undertaken over the years with the primary objective of eliminating ‘slopping out’ as well as upgrading the cellular accommodation in those prisons.
A major refurbishment of Mountjoy Prison was completed in 2014 which included the provision of in cell sanitation and upgrade of the accommodation and in 2016 a new purpose designed modern prison opened in Cork, replacing the old prison facility.
Slopping out was ended in Limerick Prison, at the beginning of this year, with the completion of a project to deliver new accommodation at that location.
As a result there are only 8 prisoners, accommodated in the Portlaoise Prison E Block who do not have access to toilet facilities in their cell and must "slop out" on a daily basis.
The Deputy will be aware that the Irish Prison Service has been completing engineering surveys on the E Block to explore the options of providing in-cell sanitation along with other work to upgrade the cellular accommodation having regard to the age and fabric of the building.
Works on the construction of a sample cell at E Block have taken place and the outcome of these works is being examined to determine the feasibility of installing in-cell sanitation to the Block. Any decision to commence a project to install in-cell sanitation to the E Block would be subject to a cost benefit analysis.
504. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Justice if the recommendations in the final report of the high-level task force to consider the mental health and addiction challenges of those who come into contact with the criminal justice sector were considered as part of Budget 2023; if so, the budget that has been apportioned to actioning the recommendations in 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6838/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra505. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Justice the position of the implementation of the recommendations of the high-level task force to consider the mental health and addiction challenges of those who come into contact with the criminal justice sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6839/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 504 and 505 together.
The Programme for Government commits to considering the mental health and addiction treatments of persons imprisoned and primary care support on release. This commitment reflects the fact that the healthcare needs of vulnerable, sometimes seriously ill, people who interact with the criminal justice system are complex and require whole of systems consideration and urgent action.
The overall report and recommendations of the High Level Task Force established to consider the mental health and addiction challenges of those who come into contact with the criminal justice sector (HLTF) were published in September 2022.
It is recognised that the report and the recommendations are ambitious and this is what is required to significantly reform the way in which our criminal justice and health systems support and accommodate people with mental health and addiction challenges. It is also recognised that in light of the cross-cutting nature of the recommendations, cross-Government commitment is crucial to successful implementation.
Let me assure the Deputy that my Department is committed to working with colleagues in the Department of Health to advance these reforms.
As you are aware, the implementation plan published alongside the final report, assigns ownership for each of the recommendations and their expected delivery time-frames. The plan recognises that some recommendations can be achieved quickly (within the next 18 months), while others require a longer lead-in time and are accordingly allocated medium-term (within the next 3 years) or long-term (within the next 5 years).
A Steering Committee (co-chaired by senior officials from the Department of Justice and the Department of Health) is overseeing progress on the recommendations. The Committee held its first meeting in December 2022. As the Steering Committee progresses its work, it will reach out to other key stakeholders.
The key actions within the report include:
- Progressive and empathic approach by Gardaí to dealing with offenders with mental health and addiction challenges, informed by mental health and addiction awareness training for Gardaí.
- Efficient and effective means of implementing an appropriate prosecution avoidance policy when Garda members come in contact with adults with mental illness and addiction, through the adult caution scheme.
- The establishment of a pilot specialist dual diagnosis service to support prisoners with a mental health condition and substance misuse in a prison, to inform roll-out across the entire prison estate.
- Access to tiered mental health supports that are recovery oriented for every person with mental health difficulties coming into contact with the forensic system.
- Reducing attrition by maintaining engagement and motivation at the point of release, including through the use of community agreed discharge plans for prisoners (identifying multi-agency supports required).
- Building on existing best practice to ensure there is adequate provision of services and sufficient safeguards in place to support rehabilitation and throughcare from custody to community.
- Continuing to build capacity within the Probation Service (at regional and national level) in the assessment of mental health within pre-sanction reports prepared for the Criminal Courts.
Many of the recommendations of the Task Force relate to improving on, or creating better alignment of, existing services for those with mental health and addiction issues in the criminal justice system.
While these may have additional costs, it is expected that some recommendations can be delivered from within existing resources, with others being factored into future budgetary planning for 2023 onwards and addressed through that process. It should also be noted that, as a number of the recommendations align with the objectives of the Sharing the Vision policy, budgetary provision will be made through that funding stream.
In addition to the work of the HLTF, the commitment to better mental care within the criminal justice system was reflected in the provision of over €2m in additional funding under Budget 2022 for the Prison Service to improve mental health services.
506. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Justice the position of the review of the Irish Prison Service’s 2006 ‘Keeping Drugs out of Prison’ policy and strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6840/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe issue of drug use continues to be a major challenge facing prisons systems across the globe. Large proportions of the people who come into contact with the criminal justice system, and who enter prison, have a history of drug use.
A 2014 study for the World Health Organisation estimated that half the prison population of the EU had a history of drug use and many continue to use drugs while in prison. Addiction is a known contributory factor in criminality and as a consequence, there is an over-representation of drug users in prisons.
Prisons are an important component of the overall response to drug problems in Irish society. The prison environment provides a unique opportunity to support individuals to address addiction and in this regard it is essential that the range of treatment and intervention options available ensure the best possibility of a positive outcome.
The scale of the activity and commitment of prison staff and other in-reach service providers in tackling this issue should be recognised.
Among the ways the Prison Service aims to support prisoners in maintaining drug free lives is by tackling the trafficking of contraband into prisons, including the smuggling of illegal drugs, thereby reducing supply. This is done alongside initiatives to reduce demand for drugs through the provision of drug treatment and addiction services to prisoners.
In 2020, prior to the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, the Prison Service had completed an initial review of the 2006 Drugs Policy with a view to developing a new Policy. Finalisation of the new Policy was delayed, first as result of Covid and then to allow account be taken of the recommendations arising from the work of the High Level Task Force established to consider the mental health and addiction challenges of those who come into contact with the criminal justice sector, which was published in September 2022.
I can advise the Deputy that the review of the Irish Prison Service’s Keeping Drugs out of Prison Policy is now at an advanced stage. Following a costing exercise the draft document will be considered by the Irish Prison Service leadership team and it is expected to be published later this year.
This being said it is important to note that the Prison Service continues to work to enhance and improve its level of medical service delivery to prisoners. The Deputy may be aware of the Health Needs Assessment Steering Group which was established in 2018, following a memorandum of understanding between the then Minister for Justice and Minister for Health. It will take forward an independent review of the current and future delivery of appropriate provision of healthcare services to people in custody.
The Health Needs Assessment, both for the Irish Prison Service as a whole and for the 12 individual prisons within the Prison Service estate, commenced in November 2019 and was undertaken by independent consultants Crowe Ireland.
The report of this assessment, following deliberations between the Prison Service and both Departments over its recommendations, is now completed. It was sent to both the Minister for Health and to me for review and it is our intention to publish the report once that review is completed.
In addition, the Prison Service has recently established a Steering Group to review the current Drug Treatment Programme and, if necessary, propose to revise this programme to ensure it is contemporaneous and in line with the goals of the National Drugs Strategy Reducing Harm, Supporting Recovery 2017 - 2025. This includes the provision of treatment, rehabilitation, recovery, education, information and support, so that those affected by substance misuse are empowered to improve their health, wellbeing and quality of life.
507. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Justice the number of prisoners who were on waiting lists to access addiction services at the end of 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6841/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Irish Prison Service engages Merchants Quay Ireland (MQI) to provide a prison-based addiction counselling service across the entire Irish Prison Service estate (with the exception of Arbour Hill Prison where there is no clinical need for such a service in that prison). The addiction counselling service includes structured assessments and evidence-based counselling interventions, with clearly-defined treatment plans and goals.
The MQI service provides a range of counselling and intervention skills related to substance misuse and dependency. These skills include, motivational interviewing and enhancement therapy, a twelve step facilitation programme, cognitive behavioural therapy and harm reduction approaches. Prisoners are offered one to one counselling and group work interventions.
In 2022 MQI completed a total of 13,241 client interventions. This total was made up of 9,017 Counselling Sessions, 2,505 Brief Interventions, 814 Group Assessments and 905 Assessments. The most recently available figures from January 2023 show there were 262 referrals made to Prison addiction services.
The Irish Prison Service and MQI prioritize those prisoners that are in greatest clinical need and will work closely together as part of a multi-disciplinary team to manage the waiting list with team leaders reviewing caseloads with each counsellor monthly to ensure that cases are closing appropriately. Prisoners who are closer to release are prioritised and MQI try to identify available services in the community in order that there is continuity of care.
The information requested by the Deputy on the number of prisoners who were on waiting lists to access addiction services at the end of 2022 is set out by prison in the table below.
|
Prison |
Number on waiting list at end of the year |
|
Cork |
103 |
|
Limerick |
33 |
|
Midlands |
103 |
|
Portlaoise |
49 |
|
Mountjoy |
176 |
|
Dochas |
32 |
|
Loughan House |
20 |
|
Shelton Abbey |
3 |
|
Wheatfield |
181 |
|
Cloverhill |
47 |
|
Castlerea |
78 |
508. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Justice if he will engage with the Irish Prison Service to determine the number of international protections applicants that are currently being detained within the Irish prison estate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6845/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraIt has not been possible to collate the information requested in the time allowed.
I will write to the Deputy directly when the information is to hand.
509. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Justice the number of new Garda roads policing vans added to the fleet in the years of 2022 and to date in 2023; and the number of roads policing vans withdrawn during the same period. [6966/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, under the Garda Síochána Act 2005, as amended, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the administration and management of An Garda Síochána, including the purchase, allocation, and effective and efficient use of Garda vehicles. As Minister, I have no operational role in such matters.
I am advised 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 can assure the Deputy that the Government is committed to ensuring An Garda Síochána has the resources it needs to deliver a modern, fit-for-purpose, policing service. Budget 2023 provides record funding of over €2 billion for An Garda Síochána, of which €10m has been allocated for investment in the Garda fleet.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that no new Garda roads policing vans were added to the fleet in 2022 up to 31 January 2023, and none were withdrawn during the same period. I am further informed by Gardaí that the purchase and allocation of vehicles is made on the basis of identified operational demands and the availability of resources.
The Deputy may also wish to be aware that An Garda Síochána publishes information on the Garda fleet on their website at:
www.garda.ie/en/about-us/our-departments/finance-services/finance-fleet-management.html
510. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Justice the number of full-time civilian cyber security experts working in the Garda national cyber crime bureau in the years of 2020, 2021, 2022 and to date in 2023, in tabular form. [6967/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, under the Garda Síochána Act 2005, as amended, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of Garda business, including the distribution and stationing of Garda members throughout the State, including to specialist units within the organisation. As Minister, I have no role in these independent, operational functions.
I have been informed by the Garda authorities that there are currently no full-time civilian cyber security experts working in the Garda National Cyber Crime Bureau. Approval has been received for the employment of twenty six (26) Forensic Examiners at Engineering Grade 3 level.
In order to progress the recruitment of these staff, management at the Garda National Cyber Crime Bureau is currently working with key stakeholders including the Garda Síochána Human Resource & People Development, Garda Estate Management and Garda ICT. A competition to fill these positions is due to commence in Quarter 1 of this year.
511. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Justice the number of stables by location that are available for use by Garda mounted units that are located outside of the Dublin region, in tabular form. [6969/23]
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 and as Minister I have no role in these operational policing matters.
I have been informed by the Garda authorities that the Garda Mounted Unit is based at Áras an Úachtaráin, Phoenix Park, Dublin 8 and has a national remit under the direction and control of Assistant Commissioner, Organised and Serious Crime and the operational control of Detective Chief Superintendent, Operational Support Services. There are currently twelve horses attached to the Garda Mounted Unit.
I have also been informed that the Garda Mounted Unit does not use any specific nominated stables outside Dublin. When the Garda Mounted Unit is deployed outside Dublin and is required to stay overnight, the unit avails of suitable stabling facilities in the location in which they are deployed. This expense is covered by the Garda Vote.
512. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Justice further to Parliamentary Question No. 283 for 15 December 2022, if he has received the necessary information from the Garda authorities to answer same. [6970/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have contacted An Garda Síochána for the information requested by the Deputy. Regrettably this information was not available in time and I will write to the Deputy again once the information is to hand.
513. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Justice his plans to update and improve the immigration service’s online registration process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7051/23]
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 immigration service of my department continually reviews its processes, including enhanced digitalisation measures, to ensure we are meeting customer demands.
The process of renewing immigration permissions for customers residing in the Dublin area moved from an in-person appointment in the Burgh Quay Immigration Office to an online portal in July 2020. To date, over 190,000 applications have been processed through this system. The online renewal application is available at: inisonline.jahs.ie. Anyone renewing their immigration permission with a new passport can also now upload their passport bio-data page online.
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 800 630) 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.
In April 2021, the new Customer Service Helpdesk was launched. Dublin based customers in need of assistance or who have urgent requirements can email my Department at immigrationsupport@justice.ie. This is staffed by the Registration Office customer service team, who are available to support and process their requests.
