Wednesday, 22 Feb 2023

Written Answers Nos. 181-201

International Protection

Ceisteanna (181)

Eoin Ó Broin

Ceist:

181. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will provide a list of all buildings being used by IPAS to provide accommodation for people in the international protection system that do not have an up-to-date fire safety certificate for residential occupation; and if he will provide a detailed explanation of the status of the fire safety works required to bring them in line with the requirements or conditions requested by the Fire Safety Authority and Building Control Authority in order to issue a valid fire safety certificate. [8913/23]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth

Deputy, the International Protection Procurement Services (IPPS) can confirm that there are two buildings being used by IPAS to provide accommodation for people in the international protection system that do not presently have fire safety certificates in place.

Breaffy Woods Arena currently has a regularisation certificate in place. The provider has applied for a valid Fire Safety Certificate for the building and has made a statutory declaration that the works will comply fully with the application and that any conditions attached to the application are adhered to within 4 months of the application being granted. The Department closely monitors the provider's progress towards compliance in meeting the required conditions.

An application for a Fire Safety Certificate for Century House is in train. Remedial works on the basis of a consultant's advice have been completed. The result of this application is expected shortly.

International Protection

Ceisteanna (182)

Brendan Griffin

Ceist:

182. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if urgent payment will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8972/23]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth

My Department has engaged over 700 properties to provide accommodation for Ukrainian Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection. In line with the Department’s commitment to substantially clear the backlog at the end of 2022, I temporarily re-assigned staff from other parts of the Department in December, doubling the size of the payments unit. The enlarged team approved more than 100 million euros worth of payments.

My Department is prioritising maintaining a practice of more timely payments, including providing more resources to address any issues. Any delays in making payments are deeply regretted and the Department is according this issue very high priority.

I am advised by my officials that the outstanding invoices for the companies mentioned in the Details Supplied are currently being prioritised for payment. A definite date cannot be supplied as yet, as a number of checks are underway, including queries on a number of these invoices.

Equality Issues

Ceisteanna (183)

Róisín Shortall

Ceist:

183. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if his attention has been drawn to the practice of differential pricing between standard tickets and wheelchair accessible tickets in a venue (details supplied); the steps he is taking to ensure this discriminatory practise is stopped; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8985/23]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth

The Equal Status Acts 2000-2018 prohibit discrimination in the provision of goods and services, accommodation and education. The Acts cover nine grounds of equality, including that of disability. In addition, the Acts prohibit discrimination in the provision of accommodation services against people who are in receipt of rent supplement, housing assistance, or social welfare payments.

The Acts provide recourse to an individual who feels they have been discriminated against and advice on rights and obligations and taking complaints under the Equal Status Acts is provided to the public by the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission which can take strategic litigation on issues involving discrimination.

The Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) is the independent body responsible for investigating complaints of discrimination under the Equal Status Acts.

The Equal Status Acts 2000-2018 are currently being reviewed by my Department alongside the Employment Equality Acts 1998-2015 and legislative proposals arising from the review will be brought forward this year.

Parental Leave

Ceisteanna (184)

Róisín Shortall

Ceist:

184. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the current position regarding the extension of the children’s age for which parental leave can be taken; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9016/23]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth

The Parental Leave Act 1998 (as amended) provides parents with an entitlement of 26 weeks unpaid parental leave for each eligible child. The leave is available to a 'relevant parent' of a child, which is defined in the 1998 Act as a parent, an adoptive parent, or a person acting in ‘loco parentis’.

There have been significant developments in the entitlements to family leaves for working families in recent years, and this includes the extension of the parental leave entitlements in 2019 from 18 weeks to 26 weeks, and the extension of the time period in which the leave can be taken from when the child attains the age of 8 years to when the child attains the age of 12 years.

Where the child has a disability or long-term illness the leave can be taken until they attain the age of 16 years.

Family leave provisions are kept under review to ensure that they are appropriate to the needs of working parents. Mindful of the significant new leave entitlements being brought forward this year through the Work Life Balance and Miscellaneous Provisions Bill 2022, however, there are no current plans to extend the entitlements to parental leave.

Departmental Policies

Ceisteanna (185)

Ivana Bacik

Ceist:

185. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth his views on the need for a public information campaign in respect of the national response to the arrival of refugees and asylum seekers in Ireland. [9028/23]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth

Deputy, further to your question on the need for a public information campaign in respect of the national response to the arrival of refugees and asylum seekers in Ireland, the Department of the Taoiseach has convened a Senior Officials Group (SOG) which is looking at the issue of community engagement and communications. My Department, and several others are engaged in that process. That is evaluating the most effective methods of engaging with communities in respect of refugees and international protection applicants. A new community engagement and communications approach will be agreed, to be implemented under the auspices of Minister Joe O'Brien T.D., who has a specific mandate in this regard, once the SOG has completed its work over the next weeks.

International Protection

Ceisteanna (186)

Ivana Bacik

Ceist:

186. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he has read reports of refugees and asylum seekers experiencing vomiting and diarrhoea due to inadequate catering services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9032/23]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth

Deputy, I can assure you that the health and wellbeing of all people who avail of accommodation provided by this Department is of the highest priority to myself and my officials. My Department receives complaints relating to food upon occasion but there has been no recent notification received in relation to any outbreak of vomiting or diarrhoea related to catering services. All of the Department’s international protection accommodation centres are contractually bound to provide menus that reasonably meet the dietary needs of the different ethnic groups accommodated at the centre and the prescribed dietary needs of any person accommodated at the centre. Menus must include a vegetarian option and all food products provided must have a traceability system that complies with food safety requirements. Accommodation centres that offer catered options provide three meals per day, however they must also have a range of snacks available including fresh fruit and drinks. In order to ensure compliance with these contractual obligations, accommodation centres are subject to regular unannounced inspections by both Department officials in the International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) and an independent inspectorate company (QTS Limited). These inspections are generally undertaken, twice yearly by officials in IPAS and once yearly by QTS Limited. Part of the inspection process deals directly with the provision of food services. Meals are assessed during inspection for quality, cultural appropriateness and variety of menu options. Any issues identified are notified to the contractor to be addressed immediately. In IPAS accommodation centres that provide for self-catering, a food hall is available to provide food and other household and hygiene products free of charge through a points based system. The foods available to residents in such centres generally include a wide range of fresh meats, fruit, vegetables and ethnic goods. Residents can carry over points not used in any one week to the next week, subject to a maximum of four weeks. There is also a contractual obligation for the service provider in these centres to consult with residents on the foods and other items made available.

IPAS is always available to deal with any complaints from residents and residents are encouraged to engage with IPAS if they are unhappy with any aspect of their accommodation. Where a complaint is significant in nature or a resident is not comfortable raising a complaint with a centre manager, they may make the complaint directly, or through a representative authorised to act on their behalf, to the IPAS Customer Service Team.

In the event of a resident not feeling comfortable with contacting the Department directly or the centre management, the Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) operate a confidential support helpline for all residents being accommodated by IPAS. The Freephone helpline is operated by the Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS). If a resident wishes, a complaint made through this service may be passed, in confidence, to IPAS for investigation and resolution. All residents have access to this independent support helpline. IPAS is working to facilitate clinics at centres, in line with public health restrictions. The Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) helpline contact number is 1800 929 00 or email: [e-mail]

All International Protection Applicants have access to the services of the Ombudsman and Office of the Ombudsman for Children, should they consider that their complaint has not been managed appropriately.

Appointments to State Boards

Ceisteanna (187)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Ceist:

187. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of retired senior civil servants and public servants appointed by the officeholder of the day to State boards, authorities and other State-appointed bodies, after being recommended on draft lists submitted by the Public Appointments Service, in each of the past ten years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9046/23]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth

There are six State Bodies under the aegis of my Department. They are:

- the Adoption Authority of Ireland,

- Tusla (the Child and Family Agency),

- Oberstown Children Detention Campus,

- the National Disability Authority,

- the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission and

- the Ombudsman for Children’s Office.

While Gaisce – The President’s Award - is an organisation that is also under the aegis of this department, it is not a State or Semi-State body per se. Gaisce has charitable status and is also a registered Company Limited by Guarantee.

The Ombudsman for Children's Office and the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission are independent offices and will provide their own response to this PQ.

Details of retired senior civil servants and public servants appointed the remaining five bodies are as follows.

Adoption Authority of Ireland	Nil
Gaisce	Nil
Oberstown Children Detention Campus	Year No of Appointments. 2013 02014 02015 02016 12017 02018 02019 12020 02021 02022 0
National Disability Authority	2022 1 (Note: The National Disability Authority became an agency under the aegis of the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth following the transfer of functions from the Department of Justice in 2020. The appointment of members to the Authority prior to the transfer of functions would have been the responsibility of the Minister for Justice).

Child and Family Agency (Tusla)

Year Appointed	Year term commenced	Number of Appointments*	Number of former civil or public servants appointed**
2022	-	-	-
2021	2022	3	1
2020	-	-	-
2019	2019 / 2020	2	1
2018	2019	5	2
2017	-	-	-
2016	2016/2017	5	2
2015	-	-	-
2014	2014	2	1
2013	2014	9	5
Total		26	12

*Includes external members of committees

**Includes third level education institutes and certain C&V sector organisations

Lobbying Reform

Ceisteanna (188)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Ceist:

188. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of senior staff members of his Department or of State bodies under the aegis of his Department who are also on the boards of bodies registered for lobbying purposes under the Regulation of Lobbying Act 2015, or on the board of bodies which have had to disclose that they engaged in lobbying State authorities; if it is intended to issue directions as to the appropriateness of such involvement in these bodies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9064/23]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth

I am advised that one senior official in my Department is a member of the board of a registered body for lobbying purposes. OLH is a registered charity, no. 20001827.

I consider that the manner in which Departmental officials on the boards of such bodies conduct themselves is addressed in SIPO’s Codes of Conduct, which can be found in the following document:

www.sipo.ie/acts-and-codes/codes-of-conduct/civil-servants/Civil-Service-Code-of-Standards.pdf

There are six State Bodies under the aegis of my Department. They are:

1. the Adoption Authority of Ireland

2. Tusla (the Child and Family Agency),

3. Oberstown Children Detention Campus,

4. the National Disability Authority

5. the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission and

6. the Ombudsman for Children’s Office.

While Gaisce – The President’s Award - is an organisation that is also under the aegis of this department, it is not a State or Semi-State body per se. Gaisce has charitable status and is also a registered Company Limited by Guarantee.

The Ombudsman for Children's Office and the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission are independent offices and provide their own responses to parliamentary questions.

The Child and Family Agency (Tusla) and the National Disability Authority will also respond directly to this question.

Details on the number of senior staff members in the remaining three State Bodies under the aegis of my Department who are also on the boards of bodies registered for lobbying purposes under the Regulation of Lobbying Act 2015, or on the board of bodies which have had to disclose that they engaged in lobbying State authorities, are as follows.

Oberstown Children Detention Campus	Nil
Adoption Authority of Ireland	Nil
Gaisce	Nil

Technological Universities

Ceisteanna (189)

Louise O'Reilly

Ceist:

189. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the amount of funding allocated for the technological universities innovation programmes under the Supplementary Estimate for 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9141/23]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science

Funding allocated to technological university (TU) projects and programmes under the Revised Estimates for 2023 totals some €41.92 million and includes the TU Regional Research Development and Innovation Integration Programme to be co-funded annually under the European Regional Development Fund in the period to 2027 and the TU Transformation Fund Education and Training Reforms Programme funded under the National Recovery and Resilience Plan.

Qualifications Recognition

Ceisteanna (190)

Patrick Costello

Ceist:

190. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will provide an update on the implementation of the new national fund for the protection of enrolled learners as per the Qualification and Quality Assurance (Education and Training) (Amendment) Act 2019; the way and the moneys and resources that have been allocated for the establishment of the fund; the steps that have been taken to mitigate potential impact on the Exchequer from exposure to financial risk through the establishment of the fund; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8928/23]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science

The Qualifications and Quality Assurance (Education and Training) Act 2012 imposes a statutory obligation on Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) to assist learners who are affected by either the cessation of a programme of education and training or the non-commencement of a programme where a learner has paid programme fees. Planning is underway to replace the statutory arrangements provided for in the 2012 Act with a more comprehensive statutory scheme which is provided for in the Qualifications and Quality Assurance (Education and Training) (Amendment) Act 2019. The revised scheme will be underpinned by the establishment of a new national Learner Protection Fund which will be managed by QQI.

The new Learner Protection Fund will apply to two categories of programmes. One of these is English language education programmes. The other is programmes on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) that exceed three months' duration, with the exception of certain named public education bodies. Each provider that offers a programme leading to an award included in the NFQ of three months’ duration or longer, and accepts monies from or on behalf of learners in respect of that programme, will be required to pay an annual charge to the Learner Protection Fund. The Fund will be fully resourced by these charges and is designed to ensure that in the case of a protection of enrolled learner event, QQI will have sufficient resources to successfully fund the teaching out of a programme or the transfer of learners to a similar programme.

The introduction of the Fund represents a comprehensive, cost-effective, equitable and transparent approach to the protection of enrolled learners in the State. The Fund will ensure that there will be a single protection of enrolled learner process for all learners irrespective of their chosen provider and programme.

A thorough data collection exercise has recently been undertaken by QQI to gather current and relevant information to inform the annual charge that will apply to the Fund. QQI will be required to consult with all relevant stakeholders before setting the annual charge for the Fund. The annual charge is intended to be as affordable as possible to avoid any undue imposition on providers and learners while also avoiding any risk transfer to the Exchequer.

Under the 2019 Act QQI will be required to publish a report on the operation of the Fund annually. A five-yearly review of the operation of the Fund must also be undertaken by QQI. This review will include submissions from providers to include the appropriateness of the annual charge in the context of demands on the Fund. QQI will be obliged to publish the annual reports and the five-yearly reviews and also to submit them to my Department for presentation to the Houses of the Oireachtas.

My Department is currently working with QQI to put the necessary measures in place to facilitate the introduction of the new Fund. In the interim, existing protection of enrolled learner requirements continue to apply.

Appointments to State Boards

Ceisteanna (191)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Ceist:

191. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of retired senior civil servants and public servants appointed by the officeholder of the day to State boards, authorities and other State-appointed bodies, after being recommended on draft lists submitted by the Public Appointments Service, in each of the past ten years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9053/23]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science

The information in respect of state bodies within the scope of the Deputy’s question is being collated and will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as it becomes available.

Lobbying Reform

Ceisteanna (192)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Ceist:

192. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of senior staff members of his Department or of State bodies under the aegis of his Department who are also on the boards of bodies registered for lobbying purposes under the Regulation of Lobbying Act 2015, or on the board of bodies which have had to disclose that they engaged in lobbying State authorities; if it is intended to issue directions as to the appropriateness of such involvement in these bodies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9071/23]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science

I can confirm that no senior staff members of my Department are also on the boards of bodies registered for lobbying purposes under the Regulation of Lobbying Act 2015, or on the board of bodies which have had to disclose that they engaged in lobbying State authorities. Any intention to issue directions on the appropriateness of any involvement in these bodies is a matter for DPER.

The information in respect of state bodies within the scope of the Deputy’s question is being collated and will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as it becomes available.

Departmental Staff

Ceisteanna (193)

Róisín Shortall

Ceist:

193. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Justice if she will provide details of the turnover of staff in her Department for each of the years 2020, 2021 and 2022, in tabular form; and the percentage of total staff this represents in each category. [9277/23]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice

The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) defines employee turnover as the proportion of employees who leave an organisation over a set period (often on a year-on-year basis), expressed as a percentage of total workforce numbers.

The table below sets out the turnover of officers and the percentage of staff which this represents within my Department for 2020, 2021 and 2022. The data in the table below includes offices, agencies and bodies staffed by my Department.

Action	2020	% 2020 Staff	2021	% 2021 Staff	2022	% 2022 Staff
Mobility Out	9	0.4%	30	1.2%	61	2.4%
Resignation	26	1.0%	36	1.4%	62	2.4%
Retirement	41	1.7%	64	2.6%	82	3.2%
Transfer of Functions	83	3.3%	3	0.1%	0	0%
Promotions	27	1.1%	47	1.9%	47	1.8%
Contract Expiry	24	1.0%	33	1.3%	32	1.2%
Leavers (other)*	28	1.1%	16	0.6%	31	1.2%
Transfer Out	22	0.9%	7	0.3%	9	0.3%
Total	260	10.5%	236	9.4%	324	12.5%

*Includes deaths in service, dismissals, head-to-head transfers and non-starters.

Freedom of Speech

Ceisteanna (194)

Sean Fleming

Ceist:

194. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Justice his views on a matter in relation to justice administration (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8960/23]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice

Minister McEntee published the Criminal Justice (Incitement to Violence or Hatred and Hate Offences) Bill last October which addresses both incitement to hatred or violence and hate crime.

Once enacted the Bill will criminalise any intentional or reckless communication or behaviour that is likely to incite violence or hatred against a person or persons because they are associated with a protected characteristic, and will create new “hate crime” offences where specific offences are aggravated by hate of a protected characteristic.

I am very conscious of any impact on speech or the free expression of ideas and we have harmonised the protections in the legislation with the need to protect those freedoms.

Ultimately though, hate speech is not about free speech. The right to freedom of expression is not absolute. While a person has a right to free speech, they do not have a right to use it to incite others to violence or hatred.

Hate speech is designed to shut people down, to shut them up, to make them afraid to say who they are and to exclude and isolate them. There is nothing free about that, and there is, frankly, no place for it in our society.

Of course, any restrictions on freedom of expression do need to be proportionate and for this reason, there is a specific protection for freedom of expression built into the new legislation. This guarantees that a communication will not be taken to incite violence or hatred solely on the basis that it contains discussion or criticism of matters related to a protected characteristic.

It is not an offence to hold an unpopular opinion, or to criticise or insult a person or a protected characteristic. The legislation is designed to protect vulnerable communities from the most serious types of hate speech – speech that will put them in harm’s way. It is not intended to enforce politeness, political correctness or anything like that.

The text of the Bill was approved by Government and published in October, and is now at Committee Stage in the Dáil.

Immigration Policy

Ceisteanna (195)

Cathal Crowe

Ceist:

195. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Justice if he will meet with a group (details supplied) regarding concerns with visa processing. [8961/23]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice

I can confirm that my Department has received and responded to the correspondence referred to by the Deputy. I have asked officials in my Department to engage with the group concerned to better understand the issues raised.

The Deputy may wish to note that, following Government approval in December last year, my Department has established an Inter-Departmental Working Group to prepare an implementation report for consideration by Government on the introduction of a single permit process for employment permit and immigration permissions to streamline the processes for non-EEA nationals seeking employment in Ireland.

In relation to Applications from residents of India specifically, these applications are normally processed by the visa office in New Delhi. There has been a 178% increase in Type D Long Stay Employment visa applications received from residents of India, up to the 31st of December 2022, in comparison with the same period in 2019 (before COVID-19 related travel restrictions). The approval rate of all category of visas processed in 2022 in the New Delhi Visa office remains high at approximately 95%.

A single entry Type D employment visa costs €60. This fee, which compares favourably with UK and other EU member state fees, has not increased since 2004.

Legislative Process

Ceisteanna (196)

Catherine Connolly

Ceist:

196. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Justice further to Parliamentary Question No. 1091 of 18 January 2023, the status of the drafting of the criminal justice (sexual offences and human trafficking) Bill 2022; when he expects to publish the Bill; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8981/23]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice

As part of delivering on the actions contained in the Zero Tolerance Strategy on domestic, sexual and gender-based violence, I will bring forward a number of significant pieces of legislation in the coming weeks and months.

This includes the Criminal Justice (Sexual Offences and Human Trafficking) Bill 2022 which will update sexual offences legislation.

Provisions in the Bill will update the law relating to consent and will introduce a number of reforms which are in line with commitments in Supporting a Victim's Journey, the plan to put the victim at the centre of the criminal justice system. These include provisions to extend anonymity provisions and legal representation to further categories of victims.

I know there has been increased reporting of sexual violence over recent years and we are determined to ensure that our system supports every victim who takes the brave step to report.

The Bill will also put the National Referral Mechanism on a statutory footing to make it easier for victims of human trafficking to come forward, be identified, and facilitate their access to advice, accommodation and support.

Finalisation and publication of the Bill is pending receipt of the pre-legislative scrutiny report. Pre-legislative scrutiny was carried out on 6 December last. The report of the Committee is awaited and any findings and recommendations will be considered prior to publication.

International Agreements

Ceisteanna (197)

Catherine Connolly

Ceist:

197. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Justice further to Parliamentary Question No. 1091 of 18 January 2023, the legislative changes required in order for Ireland to fully ratify the optional protocol to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child on the Sale of Children, Child Prostitution and Child Pornography; the expected timeline for Ireland to ratify the optional protocol; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8982/23]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice

The Government is firmly committed to ratification of the Second Optional Protocol to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.

In consultation with the Office of the Attorney General, several legislative measures have been implemented which were necessary to ensure that Ireland is in compliance with the obligations of the Optional Protocol. Enactment of the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Act 2017 and the Criminal Justice (Victims of Crime) Act 2017 were significant steps on the pathway to the ratification of the Optional Protocol.

Further smaller legislative amendments relating to the extra-territorial jurisdiction requirements under Article 3.1 will ensure that the State is in compliance with certain outstanding aspects of the Protocol. These amendments have been included in the General Scheme of the Criminal Justice (Sexual Offences and Human Trafficking) Bill 2022 which was approved for publication by the Government on 27 July 2022. Finalisation and publication of the Bill is pending receipt and consideration of the pre-legislative scrutiny report. Once enacted, Ireland should be in a position to ratify the Second Optional Protocol.

Sentencing Policy

Ceisteanna (198)

Jim O'Callaghan

Ceist:

198. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice the average length of sentence handed down to persons convicted of a violent crime or sexual offences in each of the past five years - 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022, in tabular form. [8986/23]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice

Management 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: [e-mail]

To be of assistance to the Deputy, I have referred his question to the Court Service for direct reply.

Domestic Violence

Ceisteanna (199)

Jim O'Callaghan

Ceist:

199. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice the number of protection orders, safety orders and barring orders issued in each of the past five years - 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022, in tabular form. [8987/23]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice

Management 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: [e-mail]

To be of assistance to the Deputy, I have referred his question to the Court Service for direct reply.

Domestic Violence

Ceisteanna (200)

Jim O'Callaghan

Ceist:

200. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice the number of domestic abuse cases heard in court in each of the past five years - 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022, in tabular form. [8988/23]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice

Management 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: [e-mail]

To be of assistance to the Deputy, I have referred his question to the Court Service for direct reply.

Departmental Reports

Ceisteanna (201)

Catherine Murphy

Ceist:

201. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Justice if he will provide this Deputy with a report by an organisation (details supplied). [9026/23]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice

I have requested my officials to send the Deputy a copy of the report referred to.