Alan Dillon
Ceist:515. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Justice the number of property thefts recorded by An Garda Síochána in County Mayo in the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9994/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraAn Garda Síochána
Ceisteanna (515, 516)
Alan Dillon
Ceist:516. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Justice the number of property thefts recorded by An Garda Síochána across the country in 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9995/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 515 and 516 together.
As the Deputy will be aware, the Central Statistics Office (CSO) is responsible for the compilation and publication of all crime statistics. The CSO produces these statistics using data recorded on An Garda Síochána’s PULSE system and makes regular releases under reservation in relation to various crime statistics, including recorded and detected crime. The CSO continues to work with An Garda Síochána to address quality issues in the underlying sources used to compile the statistics.
Figures in respect of theft offences are available on the CSO website for the years 2003 to 2021 on the CSO website at the following link: www.data.cso.ie/table/CJA07
Figures for Q4 2022 will be published by the CSO next month and I look forward to reviewing these statistics once published.
Question No. 516 answered with Question No. 515.
Visa Applications
Ceisteanna (517)
Jackie Cahill
Ceist:517. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Justice the status of an application by a person (details supplied); the average processing time for these applications currently; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10077/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The application for the person referred to by the Deputy was received by the Undocumented Unit of my Department on 25 February 2022 and continues to be processed. Due to the large number of applications on hand it is not possible to provide a definitive timeframe for a decision to issue.
The processing times of applications 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 will require additional processing.
Each application received is assessed individually in accordance with the published criteria, available on my Department's immigration website at: www.irishimmigration.ie/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Undocumented-Policy-Scheme-January-2022.pdf.
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.
Visa Applications
Ceisteanna (518)
Jackie Cahill
Ceist:518. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Justice the status of an application by a person (details supplied); the average processing time for these applications currently; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10078/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The application for the person referred to by the Deputy was received by the Undocumented Unit of my Department on 04 March 2022 and continues to be processed. Due to the large number of applications on hand it is not possible to provide a definitive timeframe for a decision to issue.
The processing times of applications 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 will require additional processing.
Each application received is assessed individually in accordance with the published criteria, available on my Department's immigration website at: www.irishimmigration.ie/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Undocumented-Policy-Scheme-January-2022.pdf.
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.
Human Trafficking
Ceisteanna (519)
Patrick Costello
Ceist:519. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Justice when the statistics around identification of victims of trafficking for 2022 will be released by his Department. [10093/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I have requested the information sought by the Deputy, however, this information was not available in time. I will write to the Deputy once the information is to hand.
Public Procurement Contracts
Ceisteanna (520)
Neasa Hourigan
Ceist:520. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Justice the awards made both with and without a tender process to management consultancy firms (details supplied) by his Department and aegis bodies for each of the years 2018 to 2022 inclusive, in tabular form and classed by firm; the purpose and a brief description of the awards; the value of the awards and the total amounts paid; the timeline or timeframe of the contracts; and the desired or completed output. [10117/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
It has not been possible to collate the information requested in the time allowed. I will respond to the Deputy directly when the information is to hand.
The following deferred reply was received under Standing Order 51.
I refer to your Parliamentary Question No. 520 which was for answer on 28 February 2023 and which asked: “… the awards made both with and without a tender process to management consultancy firms (details supplied) by his Department and aegis bodies for each of the years 2018 to 2022 inclusive, in tabular form and classed by firm; the purpose and a brief description of the awards; the value of the awards and the total amounts paid; the timeline or timeframe of the contracts; and the desired or completed output..”
You will recall that at the time, there was an undertaking to seek the information requested and revert to you.
I would like to offer my apologies for the delay in issuing this response, which was due to the need to gather the requested information from across my Department and Justice sector bodies.
My Department procures goods and services in compliance with Directive 2014/24/EU and in line with Procurement Guidelines published by the Office of Government Procurement (OGP), and where appropriate avails of the OGP’s goods and supplier frameworks. Processes are in place to review contracts regularly and ensure timely re-tendering prior to their expiry.
In compliance with Department of Finance Circular 40/02, my Department returns an annual report to the Comptroller and Auditor General in respect of contracts valued at €25,000 or more in aggregate (exclusive of VAT) that were undertaken without a competitive process. Information regarding contracts without a current competitive process and deemed non-compliant is published in the annual Appropriation Account, available here https://www.audit.gov.ie/en/publications/appropriation%20accounts/.
I have attached the requested information as an appendix to this letter and I trust that this is of assistance.
Public Procurement Contracts
Ceisteanna (521)
Neasa Hourigan
Ceist:521. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Justice the awards made both with and without a tender process to an organisation (details supplied) by his Department and aegis bodies for each of the years 2018 to 2022 inclusive, in tabular form; the purpose and a brief description of the awards; the value of the awards and the total amounts paid; the timeline or timeframe of the contracts; and the desired or completed output. [10135/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
It has not been possible to collate the information requested by the Deputy in the time allowed. I will respond to the Deputy directly when the information is to hand.
The following deferred reply was received under Standing Order 51.
I refer to Parliamentary Question No. 521 to my Department, which was for answer on 28 February 2023, and in which you requested the awards made both with and without a tender process to an organisation (details supplied) by my Department and the bodies under the remit of my Department for each of the years 2018 to 2022 inclusive, in tabular form; the purpose and a brief description of the awards; the value of the awards and the total amounts paid; the timeline or timeframe of the contracts; and the desired or completed output. As you will recall, the information you requested could not be obtained in the time available and I undertook to contact you again. Please find a response to this question provided below for your consideration.
I am informed that two agencies under the aegis of my Department made awards to Microsoft between 2018 and 2022, as detailed in tabular form below.
Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission
|
Year |
Costs |
Details |
|
2022 |
€33,382.82 |
Microsoft Premier Support with the desired output being Microsoft Support Assistance. No tender process. |
The Policing Authority
|
Year |
Costs |
Details |
|
2018 |
€129.89 |
Annual Office 365 Licence for standalone laptop |
|
2019 |
€129.89 |
Annual Office 365 Licence for standalone laptop |
|
2020 |
€129.89 |
Annual Office 365 Licence for standalone laptop |
|
2021 |
€127.78 |
Annual Office 365 Licence for standalone laptop |
|
2022 |
€128.89 |
Annual Office 365 Licence for standalone laptop |
In compliance with ‘Department of Finance Circular 40/02’, my Department returns an annual report to the Comptroller and Auditor General (C&AG), in respect of contracts valued at €25,000 or more in aggregate (exclusive of VAT) that were undertaken without a competitive process.
Immigration Policy
Ceisteanna (522)
Paul Kehoe
Ceist:522. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Justice if there are any plans to align or streamline the work permit and visa applications processes to reduce the time it takes to bring much-needed workers into the State to take up their employment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10170/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
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.
The Inter Departmental Working Group will shortly meet for the first time to consider the operational, policy and legal considerations for implementing the single permit process. The overall aim of the single permit process is to further simplify the procedure for third country nationals wishing to migrate to the EU legally for work.
An Garda Síochána
Ceisteanna (523)
Darren O'Rourke
Ceist:523. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Justice if a new contract for the provision of new Garda roads policing unit vehicles will be put out to tender before Easter. [10176/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As 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 role in such matters.
I have been informed by An Garda Síochána that the Office of Government Procurement are responsible for tenders relating to An Garda Síochána vehicles.
I understand that the Office of Government Procurement has entered into a contract for the supply of roads policing vehicles for a period of 24 months due to expire on 24 November 2024, with the option to extend for a further period of 12 months. I also understand that there is no plan for a new contract to be put out to tender before Easter.
I understand that the purchase and allocation of vehicles is made on the basis of identified operational demands and the availability of resources.
I am also assured that Garda management keeps the distribution of resources under continual review to ensure their optimum use.
An Garda Síochána
Ceisteanna (524)
Darren O'Rourke
Ceist:524. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Justice further to Parliamentary Question No. 512 of 14 February 2023, if he has received the necessary information from the Garda authorities to answer. [10177/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I understand the Deputy is referring to Parliamentary Questions No. 283 of 15 December 2022 and No. 512 of 14 February 2023, which asked for 'the number of full-time senior investigating officers; and the total full-time equivalent of each child protection unit since 2019’.
In accordance with the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána, including the distribution of Garda resources. As Minister for Justice, I have no role in these matters.
As the Deputy will recall, I sought the information required and I am informed by the Garda authorities that this information is not readily available and is currently being collated. I will contact the Deputy directly once the information is to hand.
An Garda Síochána
Ceisteanna (525)
Darren O'Rourke
Ceist:525. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Justice if the tender for the contract for the replacement of aircraft and helicopters for the Garda air support unit has been completed. [10178/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Deputy will appreciate, in accordance with the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Commissioner is responsible for managing and controlling generally the administration and business of An Garda Síochána.
I can, however, advise the Deputy that prior information notices (PINs) in respect of this procurement procedure, and the details of the aircraft being sought, have been published on the eTenders website. A tender in respect of these aircraft has not issued and a contract has not been awarded to date.
Naturalisation Applications
Ceisteanna (526, 527)
Claire Kerrane
Ceist:526. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Justice if consideration could be given to reducing the maximum fee of €950 for naturalisation applicants in cases where the applicant has lived, worked and contributed taxes for a long period of time, i.e. thirty years in Ireland; if this could be added to the exemptions the Minister for Justice allows for in such applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10190/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraClaire Kerrane
Ceist:527. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Justice if he is aware of difficulties faced by people born in England living and working, paying taxes in Ireland for a long period of time, i.e. 30 years, unable to apply for an Irish passport, given the fee of €950 associated with naturalisation which has to be completed first, and the impact this is having on limiting such people travelling abroad within the European Union with a British passport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10191/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 526 and 527 together.
All of the fees payable under the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956, as amended, are kept under ongoing review by my Department. However, there are no current plans to amend the fees.
The fees to be paid by an applicant for a certificate of naturalisation are governed by the provisions of the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Regulations 2011 (S.I. No. 569 of 2011). The application fee, stipulated at €175, is payable on application for a certificate of naturalisation and a certification fee is payable on the issue of a certificate of naturalisation.
The standard certification fee is set at €950, while a reduced fee of €200 applies in the case of an application made on behalf of a minor or in certain cases where the application is made by a widow, widower or surviving civil partner of an Irish citizen. In the case of recognised refugees and stateless persons, there is no certification fee.
Question No. 527 answered with Question No. 526.
Immigration Policy
Ceisteanna (528)
Michael Collins
Ceist:528. Deputy Michael Collins asked the Minister for Justice if a scheme is open currently to bring in non-EEA fishermen; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10200/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Deputy is aware, the review of the Atypical Working Scheme (AWS) for non-EEA fishers was published last year.
One of the key recommendations of the Review Group is that the employment of non-EEA crew in the Irish fishing fleet should be provided for under the Employment Permit system, instead of the existing Atypical Working Scheme. As such questions concerning how such employment might be addressed are a matter for the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment.
On 22 November 2022, the Immigration Service advised all stakeholders that the Atypical Working Scheme (AWS) for non-EEA Crew in the Irish Fishing fleet would close to new applications on 31 December 2022, and I can confirm that the scheme has now closed.